Govt to allocate RM30mil for media digital transformation, says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: In conjunction with National Journalists Day (Hawana) 2025, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an allocation of RM30 million to aid media organisations in their digital transformation efforts.
"We want to ensure the journalism world is not left behind in adopting Artificial Intelligence while also maintaining a balance between AI and ethics," he said during his speech at the National Journalists Day (Hawana) 2025 at WTC Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (June 14).
"The government has agreed to allocate RM30 million for journalists. This is the largest allocation the government has provided for journalists since Merdeka," he added.
More to come
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
3 hours ago
- Barnama
Gov't To Expedite Funding Approval For Sepak Takraw Academy
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivering his speech at the National-level 2025 National Youth Day Celebration at Dataran Merdeka. --FotoBERNAMA (2025) COPY RIGHT RESERVED KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Bernama) -- The government will expedite the approval of funding for the setting up of the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Academy so that it can be realised by the end of this year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the government would ensure that the proposal to set up the academy becomes a reality. 'Of course, football is very strong in Malaysia whereby we recently defeated (regional powerhouse) Vietnam, but sepak takraw has achieved impressive results at regional and global levels, and has captured the interest of people both in cities and rural areas. bootstrap slideshow 'Hannah Yeoh (Minister of Youth and Sports) whispered a request and emphasised to me to support the (national) team and the setting up of the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Academy. I agree with the suggestion, we will expedite it,' he said when officiating the National Youth Day 2025 celebration at Dataran Merdeka here today. Also present were Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, Hannah, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, and Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) president Mohd Izzat Afifi Abdul Hamid. Commenting on the setting up of the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Academy, Anwar said Hannah had requested an allocation of RM6 million for the purpose. 'We can approve that request because we spend prudently, uphold good governance and do not engage in corruption or misuse public funds,' he said. In his speech, the Prime Minister also announced an increase in allocation for MBM from RM3 million to RM4 million. He also urged the youth to be voices that contribute to building Malaysia into a great nation, and not to fall prey to the incitement of politicians who play up racial issues.
Barnama
4 hours ago
- Barnama
RM30 Million Boost To Strengthen Media Ecosystem
GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Bernama) -- The RM30 million digital transformation allocation is seen as an opportunity for media practitioners to acquire new skills, adapt to modern tools and enhance the quality of storytelling. Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) president Mariah Doksil said the association viewed it as a significant recognition in shaping an informed and democratic society, especially in a world increasingly shaped by Artificial Intelligence (AI) that required journalists to be equipped with the right competencies to remain relevant and ethical. 'We hope that any training or programmes under this allocation will help journalists not only prioritise factual accuracy without AI manipulation, but also retain the human soul and empathy in journalism,' she told Bernama here today. Mariah stressed the need for inclusive implementation, emphasising engagement with state media associations especially from Sabah and Sarawak, and called for clear KPIs to measure impact effectively. In JOHOR, Johor Media Club president Mohamad Fauzi Ishak said the announced allocation could be used to increase training related to AI and empower new technology in content production or digital platforms, which are increasingly popular among audiences. 'Therefore, media practitioners now need to be more proactive in learning how to use technology in the media world so that their functions and roles align with the intended objectives. 'This will enable media organisations to enhance their image and credibility as fast, efficient and reliable providers of information,' said Fauzi, who is also Malaysian Media Clubs Federation (GKMM) president. Meanwhile, Universiti Putra Malaysia Senior Lecturer in Communications Dr Syed Agil Alsagoff said the allocation proved the government's commitment to ensuring the media industry remains competitive and relevant. With this financial support, he said media organisations could invest in technologies such as AI, data analytics and digital platforms to improve efficiency and the quality of content produced.
Barnama
4 hours ago
- Barnama
Extension Of SKSPS, i-Saraan Reflects Govt's Commitment To Part-time Journalists' Welfare
KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Bernama) -- The extension of the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) under the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso), along with contributions to the i-Saraan scheme by the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), for part-time media practitioners reflects the government's commitment to ensuring no group is left behind in accessing social protection. Part-time Utusan Malaysia journalist Muhamad Iqbal Hamdan, who is also a committee member of the Penang Mutiara Media Club, said the initiative reflected the government's appreciation for the contributions of part-time journalists who were frequently exposed to risks while covering assignments. 'I hope these kinds of initiatives will carry on in the coming years so new part-time journalists can enjoy the same protection benefits,' he said when met by Bernama at the highlight of the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) today. Perak Media Practitioners Association (PPMP) chairman Sayed Hesham Syed Idris said the move gave part-time media practitioners the confidence and assurance to carry out their duties in the field. 'PPMP views the extension as demonstrating the government's concern in looking after the welfare of part-time journalists, given that many of them are not permanent employees and have no retirement savings. 'This initiative shows that the government is listening to the voices of the media, especially part-time journalists who do not enjoy the same benefits as permanent staff,' he said, expressing hope that an insurance scheme would also be introduced for part-time journalists. Kedah Elite Media Club (KMEK) president M. Hifzudin Ikhsan described the extension of Perkeso protection for another year as a meaningful initiative for the club's members. 'This contribution not only ensures the safety of our members who work on a part-time basis, but also upholds their right to proper protection,' he said. Echoing the same sentiment, Terengganu Media Journalists' Club (KAWAT) president Ahmad Syafri Husnaini Mohamad said the extension indirectly helped ease the burden of part-time staff who did not have a fixed income.
