Kuala Lumpur: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil hopes that Malaysia's media coverage during its ASEAN Chairmanship will effectively reach media organisations across the region.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi emphasized the crucial roles of the Malaysian National News Agency (BERNAMA) and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) as the official media and broadcaster for Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship.
"In terms of news coverage, I see that BERNAMA is fulfilling its role well as the official media coordinator, while RTM is carrying out its duties effectively as the official broadcaster. Coverage is progressing smoothly, with our focus now on the ASEAN Summit," Fahmi stated after visiting Kampung Tebat Kering, which he has adopted under a community initiative. He highlighted the success of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat, held on January 18 and 19, as a positive start.
Fahmi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai, emphasized the need to strengthen media relations between Malaysia and other ASEAN countries. He proposed organizing a gathering of ASEAN media representatives in conjunction with National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) this May, aiming to foster stronger ties and facilitate wider dissemination of news and reports across Southeast Asia.
On January 23, Fahmi announced that this year's HAWANA will serve as a platform to bring together media organisations from across ASEAN to enhance collaboration and address current industry challenges. Media practitioners from ASEAN countries will be invited to participate in several programmes held in conjunction with Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship.
Meanwhile, Fahmi expressed his hope for the continuation of the adopted village programme to help address various issues faced by participating villages, particularly those related to socio-economic development and infrastructure. "Each ministry has been asked to adopt a village, and even government department and agency heads are encouraged to do the same. The focus will be on improving infrastructure and addressing local needs," he said.
Kampung Tebat Kering Village Development and Security Committee chairman, Raja Azhar Raja Aziz, described the selection of the village, which has over 1,200 residents, as a "valuable opportunity" for the local community. The initiative aims to bring significant improvements, especially in terms of infrastructure development.
In October of the previous year, Fahmi announced Kampung Tebat Kering as his adopted village under the "One Leader, One Village" programme, also known as Santuni MADANI, to ensure that various community needs are well addressed.