KUCHING: The Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) is ready to collaborate with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), particularly in preparation for the 2027 SEA Games and the upcoming Sarawak State Election (PRN).

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol said the strategic collaboration was important in ensuring more effective information delivery and increasing the level of preparedness of media personnel in the state.

According to him, Bernama's extensive experience as a national media agency could be utilised through knowledge sharing, training and workshops for journalists, especially in facing coverage of large-scale events such as the SEA Games.

"This is especially when we are about to face the upcoming SEA Games because we acknowledge that although UKAS has experience in managing media at the SUKMA level before, the SEA Games are a different realm.

"Therefore, we greatly appreciate Bernama's intention to hold several experience and knowledge sharing programmes to better prepare UKAS personnel when the SEA Games are held," he said.

He said this when met by reporters after a courtesy call by Bernama at Bangunan Baitulmakmur 1, Petra Jaya, on Tuesday.

He added that the collaboration is not only focused on sports coverage, but also involves preparations for the elections and other programmes in the future.

Datuk Abdullah said that information sharing between the two agencies is crucial considering the vastness of Sarawak, which is difficult for journalists to traverse in a short period of time.

In fact, he believes that Bernama's extensive experience in handling major sporting events in Kuala Lumpur and other places can be utilised by UKAS to ensure more efficient and comprehensive news delivery.

"Journalists can attend courses, training or workshops with media partners from Sarawak, not just UKAS, to understand the working procedures and reporting methods during the SEA Games in Sarawak," he explained.

Apart from Bernama, UKAS will also collaborate with larger media platforms such as RTM and other agencies in managing media centres and the presence of foreign journalists involving logistical aspects such as accommodation, workplace facilities, good internet access, public transport, places to eat and various other things.

He further explained that this needs to be studied by UKAS or relevant ministries through agencies that have had experience in previously handling large-scale sporting events.

Also present were Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, Bernama Head of Management and Finance Services Sharifah Zaini Syed Zain, Bernama Head of Commercial Department Mastura Hassan, Bernama Marketing Manager for Photos (Services and Subscription Division) Fariz Rizal Madzri and Bernama Sarawak Bureau Chief Ammar Syafiq Hamzah. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photo: Ibanez Jeffery
Translator: Nerissa Sia