Digital transformation funds must benefit media nationwide, says Sabah journalists' group

The Star

12 hours ago

Sabah Journalists Association president, Mariah Doksil.
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) has urged the government to ensure that its latest digital transformation initiative for the media is inclusive, practical and results-driven.
This is especially important for journalists in Sabah and Sarawak who often face unique on-the-ground challenges, said SJA president Mariah Doksil.
In welcoming the Federal Government's RM30mil allocation for digital transformation in the media sector, she added the move was a timely recognition of journalism's evolving role in an increasingly digital and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven landscape.
However, Mariah stressed that meaningful engagement with state-level media organisations must not be treated as an afterthought
'Sabah and Sarawak's inclusion must not be tokenistic. There must be clear KPIs to assess whether or not these programmes truly reach and benefit journalists (across the nation),' she said in a statement on Sunday (June 15).
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Mariah added that the allocation is a valuable opportunity for media practitioners to upskill and embrace new storytelling tools, provided that training is accessible and tailored to the diverse needs of journalists.
'In a world increasingly shaped by AI, journalists must remain ethical, factually accurate, and, most importantly, human in their storytelling. These programmes should help ensure that our work retains its jiwa, the soul and empathy that define meaningful journalism,' she said.
Mariah stressed the importance of proper consultation with local media bodies such as SJA to ensure that no one is left behind.
The RM30mil allocation was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when officiating the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration at the World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (June 14).
The funds are intended to support digital transformation and the adoption of new technologies in the media industry.
Mariah said that while the allocation is a step in the right direction, it must be translated into meaningful and measurable outcomes, not just for major media players in the peninsula, but for every journalist striving to tell stories from the rural and remote corners of Malaysia.
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Meanwhile, on the government's move to enhance social protection for local and national stringers – part-time or freelance journalists – through the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) and Employees Provident Fund (EPF) i-Saraan contributions, Mariah welcomed it but called for clarity in its implementation.
'Local stringers are the backbone of rural coverage, while national stringers bridge regional voices with the national narrative. These are necessary steps to safeguard their livelihoods, but the process must be straightforward and accessible,' she said.
Mariah also proposed the creation of a centralised database to keep track of stringers across the country, an initiative she believes will help provide structured and targeted support.
'Of our 115 active members, around 20% are stringers. A dedicated platform would go a long way towards ensuring that their contributions are properly recognised and their needs adequately addressed,' she added.
On Saturday, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced that social security protection for stringers would be expanded under both PERKESO and EPF.