KUCHING: The Sarawak Government has fulfilled its commitment to recognising the role of media practitioners by channelling special incentive contributions totalling RM317,800 to six registered media associations in the state.

The six media associations receiving the contributions were Commonwealth Journalists Association Sarawak Branch with RM15,400, Journalists Association of Kuching (RM175,000), Pertubuhan Wartawan Bebas Kuching (RM16,100), Sibu Journalists Association (RM28,000), The Institute of Rejang Journalists Sarawak (RM39,200) and Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (RM44,100).

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol said the special assistance was not originally part of the government’s initial planning nor tabled during the previous budget speech.

According to him, the special incentive was personally announced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg during his winding-up speech at the Third Meeting for the Fourth Term of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN).

Datuk Abdullah explained that the proposal was made as a gesture of appreciation for the significant contribution of media practitioners from both private and state media organisations in disseminating government information to the public.

“If it can be given, then it’ll be given. Even if it couldn’t be provided, it would still be fine because it was never part of the government’s original plan.

“However, we believe media practitioners, whether from private or state media organisations, continue to play a major role in conveying information to the people,” he said.

He said this during a press conference following the Symbolic Presentation Ceremony of the Special Incentive Contribution to Sarawak Media Associations at the Sarawak DUN Complex on Thursday.

The incentive reflected the Premier of Sarawak’s continued appreciation for the vital role played by media practitioners as strategic partners of the government in delivering accurate information to society.

Overall, the assistance involved 454 members from the six registered media associations in Sarawak.

Also present were Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation) Datu Hii Chang Kee, Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) Director Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan, Senior Press Secretary to the Sarawak Governor Samuel Simon, and President of the Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA) and Malaysian Media Council Board Member Ronnie Teo. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Gabriel Rommy
Photo: Ibanez Jeffery
Translator: Uilson Ng