Kuala lumpur: Eighteen Tamil media practitioners affected by health issues, economic hardship, and industry restructuring have received aid totaling RM54,000 through the Tabung KasihHAWANA initiative. The aid was presented by Deputy Minister of Communications Teo Nie Ching during a ceremony at the Ministry of Communications. The event was also attended by the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, deputy secretary-general (Telecommunications Infrastructure) Mano Verabathran, and the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Teo highlighted the significant increase in recipients of the fund since its inception in 2023, with numbers rising from 28 in 2023 to 229 in 2024, and with a target of 300 recipients in 2025. As of now, in 2025, the initiative has already supported 323 recipients, surpassing its key performance indicator. Over the past three years, the fund has aided 580 recipients with total contributions amounting to RM1.7 million. The fund aims to support active and veteran journalists, as well as any media practitioners facing life challenges.

Teo informed that individuals needing assistance can contact the Bernama secretariat, which will conduct a screening process to determine eligibility before providing aid. She also expressed hope that Tabung KasihHAWANA will continue in 2026 to support more media practitioners experiencing hardship.

One of the recipients, K. Devandran, 58, a former editor-in-chief of a local Tamil newspaper, expressed his gratitude to the ministry and the HAWANA Secretariat for the contribution. He acknowledged the difficulties faced due to industry restructuring and job loss and appreciated the assistance provided.

The Tabung KasihHAWANA initiative represents the MADANI Government's commitment to nurturing compassion, empathy, and appreciation for media practitioners in the country.