KUALA LUMPUR: Working tirelessly to bring the news to the people has paid off for The Star journalist Tarrence Tan who clinched the Best Individual Media Award on Labour Day.
“Receiving this award on Labour Day makes it incredibly special.
“As journalists, our goal is to highlight policies that impact everyday workers,” he said here yesterday.
Tan won the award for three exclusives that shaped labour and governance reporting.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, accompanied by Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, presented the award and a mock cheque of RM10,000 to Tan during the May 1 Labour Day celebration.
Tan’s articles included proposals for a direct hiring system for foreign workers in Malaysia, the introduction of new insurance coverage for Malaysians working in Singapore and highlighting a pledge of good governance at the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp).
“Malaysians commuting to Singapore daily and our foreign workforce are vital to our economy. Ensuring their safety, fair treatment and welfare is paramount.
“This recognition is a huge encouragement and I want to thank the editorial team at The Star for backing these important stories,” Tan said.
Meanwhile, Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) also received an award under the Best Media Agency category.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil congratulated Tan and RTM during a press conference after the event.
“I am very proud of the media, including Tarrence, whom I saw wearing a suit and tie for the first time today, after being recognised as one of the best media workers in the country.”
Fahmi also congratulated RTM for being named Best Media Organisation this year.
On a separate matter, Fahmi said RM710mil had been allocated to improve workers’ income and welfare.
He said the allocation would be managed by agencies and GLCs .
“I hope companies will continue to look at ways to improve salaries and protection for workers without affecting profitability.”
