BUTTERWORTH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an additional RM1mil allocation for Tabung Kasih@Hawana, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the welfare of media practitioners.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said that to date, the fund had benefited 773 media practitioners nationwide, with assistance totalling RM2.26mil disbursed.
“In view of its success and in the spirit of compassion and care, we are providing an additional RM1mil for Tabung Kasih@Hawana in 2026,” he announced during the National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) 2026 celebration yesterday.
Set up in 2023, the fund provides financial assistance to media practitioners and former journalists facing hardship, including support for medical expenses and family welfare.
Anwar also announced that the government would continue the Media Innovation Fund to support the digital transformation of the local media industry.
He noted that RM30mil had previously been allocated for the initiative, of which RM24.57mil has been distributed to 72 media organisations.
“We have the allocation ready and will ensure the fund remains adequately supported so that its implementation is not disrupted,” he said.
The Media Innovation Fund was introduced to help media organisations undertake innovation projects, strengthen digital capabilities and enhance content development, while also supporting training programmes for media practitioners.
Meanwhile, in his speech, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the government was stepping up efforts to help the media industry navigate rapid technological change.
He added that these efforts focus on digital transformation, artificial intelligence adoption and stronger welfare protection for media practitioners.
Fahmi said that the government remains committed to ensuring the industry stays relevant and competitive in an increasingly digital landscape.
He cited the Media Innovation Fund, introduced by Anwar last year, as a key initiative supporting the sector’s transformation.
He also said the government has expanded social protection measures for media practitioners, particularly freelancers and stringers, through contributions to the Social Security Organisation and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
He said the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme, introduced in 2024, has benefited 531 freelance media workers, with nearly RM16,000 allocated for contributions.
In its third year, the initiative was expanded to include EPF i-Saraan contributions, benefiting 496 freelance media practitioners with total contributions of RM31,200.
Fahmi also announced that Telekom Malaysia would become a strategic corporate social responsibility partner for Tabung Kasih@Hawana, contributing RM500,000 to expand assistance for media personnel facing hardship.
There was also an exchange of a memorandum of understanding between Bernama and Timor-Leste’s national news agency, Tatoli, aimed at strengthening cooperation in news reporting, information sharing and media capacity building.
This year’s Hawana celebration carried the theme “Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility”, with more than 1,000 media practitioners from Malaysia and abroad, including delegates from Timor-Leste, Cambodia and Laos.
Among those who attended the event were Star Media Group (SMG) chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng, who is also a Malaysian Media Council board member, and senior editors from SMG and other media.
A three-day Riuh Pi Hawana Carnival was held alongside the celebration from June 19 to 21, featuring cultural performances, music, food and community activities.
