Govt urged to assist local media industry in facing current challenges - Sabah editor
KUALA LUMPUR (June 14): The government has been urged to consider proactive measures to help the country's media industry, which is currently in a critical stage in facing major challenges.
Utusan Borneo Sabah editor-in-chief Datuk Lichong Angkui said competition from social media and global digital platforms, declining advertising revenue and changing reading patterns of the people have caused media companies' income to shrink, while operating costs continue to rise.
'Proactive measures such as financial incentives, digital transformation grants and strategic collaborations could enable local media to remain relevant and competitive,' he said in his speech as a media representative at the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration here on Saturday.
Themed 'Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics, the prestigious event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Dr Zaliha Mustafa and Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching.
Also present were Ministry of Communications secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, cum director of HAWANA 2025 Project, as well as top management of national media companies.
Meanwhile, Lichong expressed his appreciation to the government and the Prime Minister for realising the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) after struggling for the council for decades.
'It is our hope that MMC will not only become a government monitoring body but more importantly a strong-rooted, independent and inclusive protector in preserving the integrity and freedom of the media in this country,' he said.
He also thanked the government, especially the Ministry of Communications, for the initiative to establish the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA, which has so far helped hundreds of media practitioners, including those who have retired and those who are still working but are facing difficulties in life.
'This initiative proves the government's concern by taking into account the fact that, behind the sharpness of the journalist's pen, there is actually still room for compassion and empathy,' he said.
Regarding the theme of HAWANA 2025, Lichong said it reflects the current reality of the world of journalism which is increasingly changing due to advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technology which also raises questions of ethics, authenticity of information and social responsibility of journalists in assessing, filtering and presenting news.
The HAWANA 2025 celebration is organised by the Ministry of Communications with Bernama as the implementing agency, with the aim of recognising the role and contribution of media practitioners in national development.
May 29 has been gazetted as National Journalists' Day in conjunction with the publication of the first edition of the Utusan Melayu newspaper on May 29, 1939, to celebrate the contributions of industry players.-Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
4 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Malaysia remains committed to principles of free, open trade, says Anwar
Anwar says the commitment was conveyed when he and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani chaired the Malaysia-Italy Economic Partnership Roundtable session in Rome today. – Bernama photo ROME (July 2): Malaysia remains committed to the principles of free and open trade as the core to inclusive, sustainable and resilient economic growth. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that in an increasingly challenging global landscape, international stability and peace are an important foundation for economic prosperity as well as cross-border synergy opportunities that the business community must fully exploit. He said the commitment was conveyed when he and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani chaired the Malaysia-Italy Economic Partnership Roundtable session here today. The session brought together more than 100 companies from both countries, covering the manufacturing, services and trade sectors, as well as industry agencies and organisations. 'This session reflects a shared commitment to strengthen trade relations and open up wider strategic investment space between Malaysia and Italy,' said Anwar. According to the Prime Minister, this session also strengthened the confidence of Italian industry players in Malaysia's openness policy, efficient governance and economic competitiveness. He said the active participation of leading companies highlights the potential for higher-impact bilateral cooperation, centered on added value, innovation and mutual interests. It opens up broad prospects in strategic sectors such as renewable energy, carbon capture and storage technology, defence, digital economy, aerospace and high-tech industries, key areas that are pillars of the country's economic reform agenda, he added. – Bernama Antonio Tajani anwar ibrahim Malaysia-Italy Economic Partnership Roundtable
Borneo Post
5 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Madani Government reaffirms commitment to ethical, resilient media ecosystem, says DPM Fadillah
Fadillah (centre) receives a souvenir from Abdullah while Lee (right) looks on. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 2): The Madani Government remains steadfast in its commitment to cultivating a robust, ethical, and resilient media ecosystem in Malaysia, said Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof. He said this commitment reached a milestone with the passing of the Malaysian Media Council Bill 2024 – a significant step toward industry self-regulation, symbolising trust, maturity, and empowerment. 'Just last month, during National Journalists' Day (Hawana) 2025, our Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced ground breaking protections for part-time and freelance journalists – stringers – through Socso and the i-Saraan EPF scheme, benefitting thousands, while also extending travel support through 50 per cent AirAsia fare discounts across Asean destinations. 'These are not just policies. These are affirmations of respect for your labour, your integrity, and your service to society,' Fadillah said during the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 and Hawana dinner at a hotel here this evening. He emphasised the pivotal role of media in national development. 'The media is not a bystander in national development. It is a vital strategic partner. Journalists are not just storytellers. You are the eyes that witness truth, the ears that listen to the nation's heartbeat, and the pens that shape understanding. You give voice to the voiceless. 'You hold power to account. You keep democracy alive. In this age of misinformation, your role becomes more crucial than ever. When truth is drowned in a flood of falsehoods, you are the beacons of clarity, the guardians of integrity,' he said. Fadillah also spoke about the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence on all aspects of life, including journalism. 'AI is changing the world at lightning speed. It touches everything — our food, our jobs, our homes, even our privacy and security. And yes, it is transforming journalism. But the question is not whether AI will shape the future. It will. The real question is: Will we shape AI – or will AI shape us? 'And that is why this conversation is so important. I do not pretend to have all the answers. But what I do have is faith – in the power of dialogue, of collective wisdom, and of a media community that is not afraid to evolve,' he said. As Sarawak pursues its ambition to become a high-income, green, and tech-driven economy under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, he called on the media to continue amplifying stories that matter. 'Let your platforms be spaces where the truth is heard, where dignity is preserved, and where hope is never extinguished,' he said. As a proud Sarawakian, Fadillah expressed his pride in Sarawak's leadership through the SMeC platform, which brings together policymakers and media practitioners for open dialogue and mutual learning. He also paid tribute to two Sarawakians — The Borneo Post and Utusan Borneo General Manager Madam Phyllis Wong, and Kuching Division Journalists Association President Ronnie Teo — who are among the founding members of the national Media Consultative Council. 'Their presence is a testament to the strength and leadership this state contributes to the national media landscape,' he said. Also present were Sarawak Deputy Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin and Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas)) Datuk Abdullah Saidol, who chaired the event's organising committee. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of media awards. The editors category were won by Bernama Sarawak Bureau Chief Hamdan Ismail, Sarawak Tribune Chief Editor Aden Nagrace and Dayak Daily Director Cheng Lian Hiok. The reporters category were won by Sarawak Tribune's Caroline Anne Ranyed Jackson, RTM's Dayang Fatimah Awang Lai and RTM's Petrus Abai. The news casters category was won by RTM Sarawak's Khalid Suut while the Radio (DJ) category were won by Red FM's Teo Oh Meng and Cats FM's Sharbarudin Abu Bakar. The photographers category were won by Sarawak Public Communications Unit's Mohammad Rais Sanusi and TV3 Sarawak's Basri Mohamad.
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Fadillah announces financial aid of RM110,000 for six media associations in Sarawak
KUCHING: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has announced financial contributions totalling RM110,000 for six media associations in Sarawak. The Sarawak Public Communications Unit's (Ukas) welfare and sports club and Kelab Belia Azam will receive RM25,000 each. The Kuching Division Journalists Association, Northern Sarawak Journalists Association, Sibu Journalists Association and Institute of Rejang Journalists meanwhile will get RM15,000. Fadillah made the announcement at a dinner in conjunction with the Sarawak media conference and state-level National Journalists' Day (Hawana) celebration here on Wednesday (July 2) night. He called on the Sarawak media to continue highlighting stories that matter as the state charts its path towards becoming a high-income, green and technologically advanced economy by 2030. These include stories of innovation in green and hydrogen technology, struggle and resilience amid the rising cost of living, and policy impact and public service. "Let your platforms be spaces where the truth is heard, where dignity is preserved and where hope is never extinguished," he said. Fadillah also said the Federal Government was committed to building a robust, ethical and resilient media ecosystem. He said this commitment took a major step forward with the passing of the Malaysian Media Council Bill 2024, paving the way for self-regulation. "(This is) a mark of maturity, trust and empowerment for the industry," he said. Fadillah later presented the Sarawak Premier's special appreciation awards to 10 local media practitioners. He also presented the Tokoh Khas award to former Sarawak TV3 coordinator Basri Mohamad.
