BUTTERWORTH: The government has allocated RM1mil for Tabung Kasih@Hawana this year to continue providing welfare assistance to media practitioners nationwide, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the allocation reflected the government's commitment to supporting journalists and media workers, following the success of the fund since its establishment.
"To date, 773 media practitioners throughout the country have received assistance amounting to RM2.6mil. In view of this achievement and in the spirit of compassion and care, Tabung Kasih@Hawana has been allocated RM1mil for 2026," he said in his speech at the National Journalists' Day (Hawana) celebration at Penang International Convention Cultural & Arts Centre (PICCA) on Saturday (June 20).
Launched in conjunction with Hawana 2023, the Tabung Kasih@Hawana is an initiative by the Communications Ministry, with Bernama as the implementing agency.
Anwar announced that the government would continue the Media Innovation Fund to help media organisations strengthen their operations and accelerate digital transformation efforts.
He said the government had previously allocated RM30mil for the fund, which was introduced last year to support innovation within the media industry.
"So far, 72 media companies have received funding totalling RM24.57mil under Phases One to Five of the Media Innovation Fund.
"We will continue to provide the necessary allocations and ensure the fund remains available as long as it is utilised effectively," he said.
Anwar said the initiative was important in ensuring the sustainability of the local media industry amid rapid technological changes and evolving audience demands.
Last year, the government announced an RM30mil allocation to spur the media industry to transform its business models along with the digital era, embrace new technologies, uphold content quality and improve the skills of the workforce.
He also urged media practitioners to continue carrying out their responsibilities professionally and to deliver information effectively to the public.
