Melaka: The Melaka Media Practitioners Club (Pendika) is prepared to collaborate with the government, industry players and media organisations to develop more comprehensive proposals to strengthen the welfare of media practitioners, including addressing low salaries. Its president, Amir Mamat, said the problem affects not only full-time media professionals but also part-time journalists or stringers, many of whom earn less than RM2,000 a month despite having served for more than a decade.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Amir Mamat highlighted the issue of income insecurity among stringers who are often on the front lines of field assignments yet do not receive compensation that reflects the risks and responsibilities of their work. He emphasized the need for a fairer salary improvement mechanism that corresponds with their experience and contributions to society and the nation.
Amir stated that aspects such as social protection, career advancement opportunities and professional training must also be restructured to ensure media practitioners can continue to progress in an increasingly challenging industry. He pointed out the reality that there are still media practitioners living below the poverty line, which indicates a significant gap between the work burden they carry and the remuneration they receive.
Pendika believes that the role of media practitioners is critical in ensuring that the public receives accurate, fast and authentic information. Therefore, their welfare should not be taken lightly. Amir also welcomed the concern shown by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who expressed dissatisfaction over the plight of media practitioners who continue to receive low salaries despite long service in the industry.
The Prime Minister's statement demonstrates that the welfare of media practitioners is receiving attention from the highest leadership in the country, offering renewed hope to those struggling with inadequate income. Pendika remains committed to championing the voices and rights of media practitioners, especially in Melaka, and hopes that the Prime Minister's attention will lead to comprehensive and positive reforms within Malaysia's media ecosystem.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister was reported to have acknowledged the grievances of media practitioners who still receive low wages, particularly in Sabah, despite many having served for over a decade. He has directed Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil to prepare a comprehensive report on journalists' salaries-especially in Sabah-and to propose solutions, including the possibility of channelling incentives to media companies to help increase journalists' salaries or allowances.