Hawana 2025 Carnival gives public a taste of journalism

New Straits Times

15-06-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The final day of the Hawana 2025 Carnival at Sunway Putra Mall ended on a lively note, as visitors took the opportunity to learn more about journalism.
One of them, Nurimshah Muhammad Yaseen, 20, said her interest in the field, particularly in becoming a news presenter, inspired her to attend the three-day carnival.
"So far, I have only seen journalists on television, but this time I got the chance to experience what it's like to report on an actual incident, the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) bus accident incident, at the Bernama Radio and Media Prima booths," she told Bernama.
She said that she also had the chance to audition for an acting role at the RTM booth, describing the experience as meaningful and unforgettable.
Having recently completed her diploma in software, Nurimshah expressed hope that programmes like this would continue to be organised annually, as they help bring the public closer to the real world of journalism and media.
Another visitor, Ismail Mohd Azlan, 49, said the carnival provided the best opportunity for the public to get to know the role of the media.
"Usually, we only see artiste performances at shopping malls, but this time, we saw mini news and radio studios brought here. It provided exposure and thus attracted the public's interest in journalism.
"Carnivals like this are good for bringing the public closer to journalists. Visitors can also ask directly about how to channel complaints to journalists about local issues and problems," he said.
Ismail, who is a technician, said that the visit to the Selangor Media booth also opened his eyes to the existence of newspapers under the Selangor government.
He said such a carnival should continue so that the public can obtain information directly from media agencies about the products and services offered.
The Hawana 2025 Carnival, being held for three days since Friday, is part of this year's National Journalist Day (Hawana) celebration, with the culminating ceremony held yesterday and officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre (WTCKL).
The Hawana 2025 celebration, organised by the Communications Ministry with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, aims to recognise the role and contribution of media practitioners in the country's development. – BERNAMA