BUTTERWORTH: Media practitioners from across Malaysia and the Asean region were honoured in recognition of their vital role in the nation’s development.
In conjunction with the National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) 2026, Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib feted nearly 350 guests at a dinner held in a festive atmosphere.
The guests included editors-in-chief, top executives of local and international media organisations, veteran journalists and state leaders.
Among those present were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and State Secretary Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long; Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah and deputy secretary-general (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil, as well as Timor-Leste Secretary of State for Social Communication Expedito Loro Dias Ximenes.
Also in attendance were Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj and deputy editor-in-chief (News Service) Mohd Shukri Ishak.
The event was also attended by leaders of the country’s major media organisations, including Star Media Group chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng Sek Yee, Media Prima Bhd deputy group managing editor (News and Current Affairs) and New Straits Times group editor Farrah Naz Karim, Sin Chew Daily editor-in-chief Chan Aun Kuang, Daily Express Sabah chief editor Datuk Sardahthisa James and Astro Awani editor-in-chief Zaiful Mohd Ariffin.
The presence of foreign delegates underscored Hawana’s growing recognition as an important platform that connects media communities at both regional and international levels, Bernama reported.
Chow said the Penang state government values the important role played by media practitioners as a frontline defence in ensuring the dissemination of accurate, credible and unmanipulated information.
He said in an era marked by the rapid expansion of social media, digital technology advancements and artificial intelligence, the role of professional journalists has become increasingly critical in curbing the spread of fake news and maintaining public trust in the information delivered.
“The duty of journalists is not merely to report events but also to ensure that the public understands the truth through fact-checking processes and sound editorial judgment.
“All of you are the nation’s frontline defence in curbing the spread of fake news, combating the manipulation of facts and safeguarding the integrity of information,” he said.
Chow said the journalism world holds special meaning for him, as he had previously served as a sub-editor before venturing into politics.
“That valuable experience taught me about the realities, tough challenges and heavy responsibilities borne by media practitioners,” he added.
About 1,000 media practitioners, particularly journalists, including those from several Asean countries, have gathered in Penang beginning yesterday to attend the Hawana 2026 main event, which will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena near here today.
Carrying the theme “Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility”, the event is organised by the Communications Ministry, with Bernama as the implementing agency, in recognition of the contributions, dedication and professionalism of the country’s media practitioners.
In conjunction with the celebration, the three-day Riuh Pi Hawana Carnival is expected to attract about 30,000 visitors.
