Latest news with #NationalJournalists'Day
New Straits Times
12 hours ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Part-time journalists call for basic health protection ahead of Hawana 2025
MELAKA: Working without a fixed income and often clocking in extra hours just to make ends meet—this is the harsh reality faced by many part-time journalists in Malaysia. Despite receiving no formal benefits or job security, these media professionals continue to contribute to the industry with dedication, all while hoping for at least basic health protection as a token of appreciation for their role in national journalism. Part-time journalist with Utusan Malaysia, Amran Ali, 52, said he and others in similar roles hope for access to an affordable medical scheme, ideally covering them until the age of 70. "Although we are not permanent staff, the work and risks we take on are no different from those faced by full-time journalists, including assignments in remote or difficult-to-reach areas. "Some of us work without annual leave, EPF contributions, or any form of medical coverage," he told Bernama. Amran expressed hope that the upcoming National Journalists' Day (Hawana) 2025 would serve as a platform to amplify the voices of part-time journalists, who are seeking support mechanisms such as health contributions, emergency aid funds, or access to clinic treatment cards. Echoing his views, Meor Riduwan Meor Ahmad, 49, urged the government to consider a dedicated initiative to provide registered part-time journalists with at least basic benefits, such as accident insurance. "I believe safeguarding the welfare of part-time journalists will improve the quality of reporting and help formally recognise their role while providing a safer work environment," he said. Currently, the Tabung Kasih@Hawana fund, introduced during the Hawana 2023 celebration, assists active and retired media practitioners in need of help or facing health challenges. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Communications, is implemented through the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama). At the Hawana 2024 celebration in Kuching, Sarawak on May 27 last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an additional RM1 million allocation for the fund this year. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil also announced that, starting July 2024, all part-time media personnel will receive a one-year Perkeso (Social Security Organisation) contribution, fully funded by Bernama. The highlight of Hawana 2025 is scheduled for June 14 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTC KL), where the Prime Minister will officiate the event. Around 1,000 media professionals from Malaysia and abroad are expected to attend. Organised by the Communications Ministry, with Bernama as the implementing agency, the celebration features a series of events including a pantun festival held yesterday, a pre-launch ceremony with strategic partners at Wisma Bernama this Tuesday, and a media forum co-hosted with the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) on June 14.
Barnama
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
HAWANA-DBP 2025 Pantun Festival Highlights Linguistic Heritage In Journalism
KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 (Bernama) -- The HAWANA-DBP 2025 Pantun Festival has successfully raised awareness on reviving Malay cultural arts, particularly within the field of journalism, says Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) CEO Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. She said the inaugural competition proved the ability of media practitioners to express current issues through the beauty of the national language while showcasing their creativity. 'I witnessed how the pantun (Malay poetic verses) exchanged were not only amusing but also highlighted current issues in their own unique style. 'It's no easy feat, as composing pantun requires skill and a deep appreciation for the language,' she told Bernama after the event at Wisma Bernama here today. Also present were Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, Deputy Editor-in-Chief (News Service) Nasriah Darus, Deputy Editor-in-Chief (Economic News Service) Azlina Aziz, and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Language and Literature Development Department director Abang Haliman Abang Julai. Commenting further, Nur-ul Afida said the festival was not merely a competition, but a platform to empower the nation's cultural heritage. She said Bernama was committed to supporting efforts to strengthen the use of the Malay language in journalism and believed that such culture-based initiatives could bridge connections between the media, language, and society. 'I have discussed with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and expressed hope that the Pantun Festival can be continued next year as the second edition in conjunction with the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA), God willing,' she said. Meanwhile, Abang Haliman praised the organisation of the pantun festival, which he described as capable of instilling deep awareness among media professionals regarding the importance of language and literature.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
TV3 advances to the Hawana Pantun Festival final
KUALA LUMPUR: TV3's Islamic Content Department reached the finals of the Pantun Festival Competition, held for the first time in conjunction with the 2025 National Journalists' Day (Hawana) celebration. The team, led by TV3 host and personality Ahmad Fedtri Yahya, alongside Mohammad Nor Affiq Norshamsudin, Azrin Md Isa, and Nurul Shazalina Zainudin, showcased their poetic prowess in a knockout-format verbal sparring battle and also won the Best Dressed category. The team competed against representatives from Astro Radio News. However, the winners and runners-up of the Pantun Festival will only be announced during the Hawana summit on June 14 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), in a ceremony officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Media Prima Bhd's News and Current Affairs unit team comprises Terengganu Media Prima bureau chief Mohd Ishak Abdillah Ngah, Berita Harian journalists Ilah Hafiz Aziz and Latifah Arifin, as well as Harian Metro journalist Muhamad Lokman Khairi. Additionally, this year's pantun competition also featured participants from the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), Malaysia Gazette, Sinar Harian, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), and Bernama. The champion will receive a cash prize of RM3,000, while the runner-up will get RM2,000; both will also receive trophies and certificates. Third and fourth places will receive RM1,000 and RM500 respectively, along with trophies and certificates, as well as consolation prizes consisting of hampers and certificates of appreciation. A Best Pantun Performer category is also available, with a cash prize of RM500, a trophy, and a certificate. Meanwhile, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka will present special awards for the best male and female costumes. "This competition aims to reignite the passion for literary arts and strengthen the friendship among media practitioners," Bernama chief executive officer Datin Nur-Ul Afida Kamaludin said in her speech. DBP's Language and Literature Development Department director Abang Haliman Abang Julai said that pantun, as an art form, can also be incorporated into news and journalism to showcase mastery of language.
Barnama
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
HAWANA-DBP 2025 Pantun Festival Seeks To Preserve Heritage, Engage Youth
KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 (Bernama) -- The HAWANA-DBP 2025 Pantun Festival is more than just a competition — it serves as a platform to celebrate and preserve Malaysia's cultural heritage while cultivating interest in traditional poetry among the younger generation. TV3 personality and pantun enthusiast Ahmad Fedtri Yahya said by making the event more fun and accessible, it can attract wider participation and dispel the notion that pantun is solely for formal contests. 'As someone passionate about pantun, I want to make it something enjoyable and vibrant. For me, it's about instilling pride in our heritage. Many shy away from pantun when it's seen purely as a competition,' he told Bernama. 'That's why I brought my team — I'm the most senior, and I included young participants to give them exposure and experience,' he added. Fedtri believes the festival will continue to attract more participants in future editions, as the public begins to appreciate its significance, demonstrating the organisers' strong commitment to keeping the art of pantun alive. 'God willing, this competition will grow into a major platform. It offers an opportunity to nurture more young pantun talents,' said Fedtri, who attended the event in traditional Malay attire. Meanwhile, Astro Radio News journalist Nurul Izzati, 31, expressed hope that the contest would become an annual event in conjunction with National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) to ensure the continued relevance of pantun among youth. 'This is my first time participating. I hope it continues in the coming years. Interest in pantun is waning, so we need to elevate it once again,' she said. Malaysia Hari Ini (MHI) TV3 producer Affiq Norshamsudin shared that his involvement stemmed from a deep appreciation for the art form, which he actively practised during his school and university days.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sultan of Pahang, Tengku Ampuan praise journalists' ethical dedication to duty
KUANTAN: The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, and the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, extended their National Journalists' Day (Hawana) greetings to all media practitioners in Malaysia, with a special mention to journalists in the state. Their Royal Highnesses expressed appreciation for journalists' significant contributions, praising them for consistently upholding the principles of ethical journalism and integrity and for having the courage to speak the truth. "In this era of rapid information boom, the role of journalists as conveyors of accurate, transparent, and balanced information is crucial in shaping an informed and responsible society," according to a post on the Kesultanan Pahang's official Facebook page today. Their Royal Highnesses believe that journalists are the eyes and ears of the people, a vital link between the government and the public in conveying the voices and needs of the community. "In Pahang, the role of the media in disseminating information on development, education, welfare, and various constructive writings is greatly appreciated. "Their Royal Highnesses pray that all journalists continue to be granted strength, good health, and unwavering commitment to carry on this noble mission for the benefit of the state and the nation," read the post. — BERNAMA
