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Sandakan journalist battling anaemia receives Tabung Kasih@HAWANA aid
Teo Nie Ching (second right) presenting the contribution to Jee Cheng Hee. – Bernama photo
SANDAKAN (June 17): A journalist battling anaemia expressed her heartfelt gratitude and was visibly moved upon receiving a contribution from the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund, presented by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching Tuesday.
Merdeka Daily News journalist Jee Cheng Yee, 35, said the cash contribution would help ease the burden of her medical and treatment expenses.
The mother of three – aged eight, four, and 11 months – shared that she developed anaemia following caesarean sections during the birth of her children.
'I'm very grateful to the Sabah Journalists Association and the Sandakan Media Association for assisting me with the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA application process,' said Jee, who has been a journalist for 10 years and is currently based in Sandakan.
'I hope this kind of assistance can reach and support more journalists who are in need,' she said when met at her residence in Taman Yeng Seng here.
Also present at the visit were Malaysian National News Agency's (Bernama) head of Management Services and Finance, Sharifah Zaini Syed Zain, and head of Corporate Affairs, Mariati Mohd Arif.
Meanwhile, Teo said a total of 19 media practitioners in Sabah have benefited from the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA initiative to date.
She added that RM1 million has been allocated for the fund this year, expressing hope that more media personnel in need would receive the assistance.
'We will consider all applications and determine the donation amount based on each individual's circumstances,' she said.
The Tabung Kasih@HAWANA initiative reflects the spirit of Malaysia MADANI by upholding values of compassion and care, particularly for media practitioners who have long contributed to society but are now facing life or health challenges.
The fund was established as a Communications Ministry initiative and implemented through Bernama to support serving and retired journalists and other media practitioners who are facing hardships or financial difficulties.
To date, a total of 442 media practitioners nationwide have benefited from the initiative, with contributions amounting to RM1.2 million. – Bernama
