Kuching: Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching today presented contributions under the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA initiative to eight media practitioners in Sarawak who are facing health issues and hardship.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the eight recipients are Mohamad Ghaz Ghazali and Lim How Pim of The Borneo Post; Indun Silong and Zarina Abdullah of Suara Sarawak; Mohammad Roji Abdullah of Media Prima; Kong Jun Liung of See Hua Daily News; Abdul Majid Azman of The Malaysia Press; and Alan Jay E. Evangelista of Sarawak Tribune.
Mohamad Ghaz, a senior editor at The Borneo Post, expressed his gratitude for the assistance provided under the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA initiative following floods that affected his home on New Year's Eve 2026. He noted that the contribution has helped cover the cost of replacing household items damaged by the floods. The donation presentation ceremony was held in conjunction with the 'Love Bandar Kuching' programme, organised by the Photomedia and Design Club at Tropics City.
Also present at the event were Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, Bernama Head of Corporate Affairs Mariati Mohd Arif, and Bernama Sarawak Bureau chief Ammar Shafiq Hamzah. Mohamad Ghaz highlighted that the assistance reflects the government's and relevant agencies' concern for the welfare of media practitioners during difficult times.
Tabung Kasih@HAWANA is an initiative by the Communications Ministry to support media practitioners in need, with Bernama serving as the implementing agency. Suara Sarawak journalist Indun Silong described the initiative as a thoughtful effort to assist journalists who have faced challenges, such as floods that caused extensive damage to her household items.
Indun Silong expressed that with the support of Tabung Kasih@HAWANA, media practitioners feel appreciated and motivated to continue fulfilling their responsibilities. Since its launch at National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2023, Tabung Kasih@HAWANA has benefited 766 media practitioners nationwide, demonstrating the MADANI Government's commitment to safeguarding the welfare of the media community.