KUCHING: Six media associations in Sarawak have received funding totalling RM317,800 under a special incentive scheme from the state government.
State Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department Datuk Abdullah Saidol said the incentive was approved by Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg several days ahead of his state budget winding-up speech in December.
"It was agreed that the incentive would be channelled through the registered media associations," he said when handing over the funds at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly complex here on Thursday (May 14).
The recipients were the Commonwealth Journalists Association, Kuching Division Journalists Association, Sibu Journalists Association, Institute of Rejang Journalists, Northern Sarawak Journalists Association and Persatuan Wartawan Bebas Kuching.
Abang Johari had announced a special incentive of RM700 for media personnel in appreciation of their contributions in providing news and information to the public.
He had said the incentive would be given to private media practitioners registered with six media associations in the state as of Dec 1 last year.
Meanwhile, Abdullah said the third Sarawak Media Conference was scheduled to take place on July 8.
He said the programme would feature workshops at the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) and Tegas Digital Village on topics such as artificial intelligence, digital media, governance and regulatory compliance.
A dinner will also be held on the same day in conjunction with the state-level National Journalists' Day (Hawana) celebration.
