Govt to address low media salaries, says Fahmi
Fahmi said he plans to engage with media clubs across Malaysia to gain deeper insight into the situation before initiating discussions in the near future.
'We want to understand the conditions in every state,' he said. 'We will also look into aspects concerning both full-time workers and stringers. Let me collect the information first.'
He was responding to a reporter's question after presenting a contribution from the Tabung Kasih @ Hawana fund to a local media practitioner in Penampang today.
On a related note, Fahmi said there are plans to increase the fund's allocation to ensure continued support for media practitioners facing hardship.
'However, since the previous allocation is not yet fully utilised, we will prioritise disbursing those funds first,' he added.
'I have asked Bernama to explore a mechanism to raise more funds to assist more media colleagues in the future.'
During the visit, the minister met with fund recipient Vicky Sylvester Matanjang, 52, a photographer at the Sabah Information Department (JaPen), who was severely injured in a road accident in March last year.
Vicky, who sustained six broken ribs and a fractured left arm after being hit by a four-wheel-drive vehicle, expressed his gratitude for the aid. He recently returned to work but still requires physiotherapy.
So far, a total of 463 media practitioners nationwide have benefited from the Tabung Kasih @ Hawana fund.
Also present during the visit was Bernama Chief Executive Officer Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.
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