KUCHING: Media associations across the state have welcomed the Sarawak Government’s announcement of a one-off RM700 incentive to private media practitioners, describing it as timely recognition of the industry’s vital contributions.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg announced the provision in his ministerial winding-up session at the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting on Wednesday.

According to him, the incentive will be given to private media practitioners who are registered as of 1 December 2025 with six media associations in Sarawak.

In a statement, Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA) President Ronnie Teo Teck Wei praised the Sarawak Premier’s foresight and generosity in making the welfare of media personnel a sustained priority in the state.

He said the assistance will be significant and meaningful in helping them meet both their professional and personal needs.

“The Sarawak Government has consistently demonstrated its profound understanding of the media’s vital function, acknowledging our crucial role as frontliners particularly throughout the demanding and often hazardous period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This commitment to the media fraternity was previously and powerfully demonstrated through the Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) financial aid packages disbursed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, which provided specific, targeted assistance to journalists and media staff,” he said.

Chairwoman of the Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA) Sarawak Branch Nancy Nais echoed similar sentiments, commending the state government for its unwavering recognition of the media’s role in informing the public and fostering social harmony.

“Your continuous support not only uplifts our fraternity but also motivates us to uphold professionalism, integrity, and excellence in our work,” she said.

The Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (NSJA) also welcomed the incentive, describing it as a meaningful acknowledgement of the media fraternity’s essential role in serving the rakyat.

The association reiterated its readiness to work with the Sarawak Government and relevant agencies to ensure the incentive is disbursed efficiently and reaches all eligible recipients.

“We hope that this initiative will pave the way for more structured and sustainable support for media practitioners in the future, particularly in areas such as professional development, welfare protection and opportunities for young journalists,” it said.

The Pertubuhan Wartawan Bebas Kuching (Pewarta) likewise expressed gratitude to Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari for his generosity in extending the financial assistance to its members.

“His social inclusivity policy has proven that all strata of society in Sarawak have benefited since he took over office in 2017.

“We sincerely hope that he will continue to administer Sarawak to greater heights,” it said.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) Director Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan also welcomed the Premier of Sarawak’s announcement of a RM700 incentive for media practitioners who have long served as strategic partners of UKAS.

He said media practitioners play a significant role in helping UKAS disseminate Sarawak Government policies, initiatives and information to all levels of society and key stakeholders.

“The contribution, cooperation and continuous support from our media partners are greatly appreciated and form an essential complement to UKAS’ mission of ensuring that government information is delivered accurately, promptly and responsibly,” he said. -UKASnews