KEPALA BATAS: Tabung Kasih@Hawana, introduced in April 2023, has benefited 727 media practitioners nationwide, particularly those affected by health issues and in need of welfare support.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said a total of RM2.2mil has been disbursed over that period, stressing that the initiative reflects the government’s continued commitment to safeguarding the welfare of the media community, especially those in need.
“Today (yesterday) marks the 727th contribution we have delivered since April 2023, with total spending of about RM2.2mil.
“This demonstrates our ongoing commitment to supporting the welfare of media practitioners across the country.
“We also take into account the well-being of media personnel, regardless of which organisation they serve, as their role and responsibility involve reporting on the ground, where situations such as accidents and other incidents may affect them,” he told reporters yesterday after presenting Tabung Kasih@Hawana assistance to RTM staff member Razif Saidin, 44, who is suffering from chronic nerve complications after a motorcycle accident in 2023.
Also present at Razif’s residence in Penaga here were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah and Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.
According to Bernama, Fahmi also presented a laptop to Razif’s daughter Nur Insyirah, 18, who scored 9As in the 2025 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination.
Elaborating further, Fahmi said his ministry will continue to assess the need for additional treatment for Razif, including the possibility of alternative treatments such as acupuncture, in addition to existing medical care.
He said Razif has served as an assistant engineer with RTM for 21 years and is undergoing continuous physiotherapy while requiring medication to manage his condition.
“At this point, I would suggest that Razif, in addition to continuing physiotherapy and existing medical treatment, consider exploring acupuncture. He has informed me that there is a treatment centre in Kepala Batas.
“He said he will try it in the near future, so we will then have some information on what assistance can be provided if he finds it suitable for his needs, and we will contact Razif’s family again to see what additional support can be extended.”
Fahmi said he will also look into suitable forms of assistance to support Razif’s daughter in pursuing higher education.
Razif suffered nerve damage at the C4 section of his neck in the accident, which occurred while he was on his way home from work, and took medical leave.
Although he has resumed work, he continues to undergo treatment including rehabilitation, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and monitoring by a neurosurgeon at a government hospital.
“The treatment involves a neurosurgeon at a government hospital, along with rehabilitation and physiotherapy sessions at Hospital Kepala Batas. I will also try acupuncture treatment in Kepala Batas,” said the father of two.
He expressed his appreciation to Fahmi, the Hawana secretariat and all parties for the assistance.
Launched in conjunction with National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) 2023, the Tabung Kasih@Hawana is an initiative by the Communications Ministry, with Bernama as the implementing agency.
