Kuala lumpur: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil today conveyed his appreciation to Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) personnel for their commitment in carrying out their duties throughout the Johor state election, ensuring the public had access to accurate and comprehensive information.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi expressed satisfaction with the facilities and support provided to staff at the Bernama Operations Centre for the Johor state election. He noted that these resources enabled smooth coverage of the polls, ensuring extensive reporting across the region.

'Alhamdulillah, I had the opportunity to visit the Bernama media centre where journalists, sub-editors, editors, and Bernama TV staff are stationed during the Johor state election. I found that the facilities provided were good, and I was informed that 44 staff, comprising journalists, cameramen, and photographers, were assigned to cover the Johor state polls.

The minister highlighted that from the operations centre, Bernama's team effectively covered the entire state, from Endau to Tanjung Surat and up to the northern part of Johor, ensuring comprehensive reporting of the election events.

Fahmi also expressed his appreciation to Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj for their preparation and coordination efforts, which were crucial to the success of the coverage operations.

'I would like to congratulate Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida and Encik Arul. I found that all the preparations, assistance, and support provided to Bernama journalists were at a very satisfactory level,' he said.

During his visit, Fahmi, accompanied by Nur-ul Afida and Arul, spent more than an hour at the operations centre, inspecting the facilities and engaging with the journalists and staff on duty.

A total of 172 candidates are contesting the 56 seats in the Johor state election, with polling set for Saturday, while early voting was held today.