Latest news with #SabahJournalistsAssociation
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
SJA president urges journalists to uphold truth in digital era
Mariah, Joniston and the winners of the Kinabalu Press Awards 2025. KOTA KINABALU (June 30): Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) president Mariah Doksil has urged media practitioners across the state to safeguard the core values of journalism amid the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing that machines can never replace human integrity, empathy, and truth-telling. Speaking at the Kinabalu Press Awards (KPA) 2025 held at Magellan Sutera on Sunday night, Mariah highlighted both the challenges and the enduring spirit of Sabah's media community. 'Some of us depend too much on AI to write news, to the point that we let a chatbot decide the facts and the style of writing,' she said. 'Yes, AI is smart and helpful, but it has its limits — especially when the topic is complex. We should not rely on a machine to write or edit for us. Let's not surrender our creative juice,' she stressed. Citing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent RM30 million allocation for digital transformation under the National Journalists Day (HAWANA) celebration, Mariah urged that the funds be used wisely. 'I hope this allocation will help journalists in Sabah not only to prioritise factual accuracy untouched by AI manipulation but also to preserve the soul and empathy in news reporting,' she said. Acknowledging the mounting challenges faced by mainstream media, Mariah pointed to shifting reading habits, shrinking job opportunities, and waning interest among the youth due to low salaries. Despite this tough landscape, she reaffirmed the critical role of traditional media in combating misinformation, especially as Sabah heads into another election season. 'Mainstream media plays a crucial role in ensuring fair, accurate and balanced reporting, particularly when we are flooded with false or half-truths on various social media platforms,' she said. Mariah also proposed that the state government consider forming smart partnerships with media organisations or through government-linked companies (GLCs) to sustain the media industry. 'SJA believes that such partnerships can ensure the media remains healthy and empowered to continue its responsibility of delivering credible information to society,' she said, adding that any long-term solution requires strong, committed entities. Mariah expressed appreciation to the Sabah government, noting that this year's KPA received RM110,000 in funding — an increase of RM10,000 from the previous year. 'We deeply appreciate the unwavering support from Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor and the Sabah Government, which makes it possible for us to hold such a prestigious event,' she said. She also thanked Sabah's media community for their dedication: 'Tonight, we gather not only to recognise excellent works but also to celebrate the spirit of journalism. Behind every byline, photo credit, audio and visual recording, we too have our own stories of truth-telling, capturing moments with precision and writing with integrity.' On behalf of SJA, she appealed for increased sponsorship for next year's Kinabalu Press Awards. In a poignant gesture, Mariah shared the story of Stefyanie Myla — a former full-time reporter turned stringer to care for her ill two-year-old son. Inside each guest's goody bag was a packet of Beras Wangi rice sold by Stefyanie. 'This year, the committee decided to support Stefyanie by purchasing 100 packets of rice as gifts for our invited guests. It's a small gesture but filled with meaning, reminding us of the strength of our community and how we uplift one another in times of need,' she said. The awards ceremony was officiated by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who represented Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Media Prima wins three gold prizes, four merits at 2025 Kinabalu Press Awards
KOTA KINABALU: Media Prima Bhd took home three gold prizes and four merit prizes at the 2025 Kinabalu Press Awards. TV3's Safwan Sawi and Mohammed Fairuz Yazzer each won a gold prize in the Entertainment Reporting and Environmental Journalism categories, respectively. Photographer Mohd Adam Arinin clinched gold in the Best Picture category. From the New Straits Times, Ersie Anjumin received a merit prize for Entertainment Reporting, Paul Mu for Environmental Journalism, and Olivia Miwil for Sports Journalism. Harian Metro's Recqueal Raimi also earned a merit prize in the Sports Journalism category. This year's awards attracted 268 entries. The Sabah Journalists Association also honoured 90-year-old Chan Kang Yuan with the Tokoh Wartawan Sabah (Sabah Journalism Icon) title, recognising his unwavering dedication, professionalism, and courageous commitment to truthful reporting throughout his six-decade career. Starting in 1958, Chan rose from copywriter to editor-in-chief of several Chinese-language newspapers, covering key historical events from colonial rule to the formation of Malaysia. He was detained for 18 months under the Internal Security Act in 1969 for defying censorship but returned to journalism with the same fearless resolve until his retirement in 2021. The awards ceremony was attended by Sabah Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who represented Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, along with Sabah Journalists Association president Mariah Doksil. In a speech delivered by Joniston, Hajiji said the success of communicating government policies and initiatives relies heavily on the media's role in delivering clear and effective information to the people. "In the context of state development, the government remains committed to implementing various people-centric initiatives under the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan to accelerate progress in Sabah. "I hope this strategic partnership will continue to be strengthened to help the government disseminate important information on development and the state's direction to the public." He added that media reporting also helps the government stay informed about grassroots issues and public concerns. Meanwhile, Mariah said the role of mainstream media remains critically important. "Mainstream media plays a central role in ensuring fair, accurate, and balanced reporting, especially as we become increasingly flooded with fake news and half-truths across various social media platforms. "The public must have access to credible and authoritative information, delivered in the proper context, and this is where mainstream media plays an irreplaceable role. "We believe that all parties, the government, private sector, and general public, must work together to ensure that mainstream media remains healthy and continues to operate independently and responsibly."
Borneo Post
17-06-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sandakan journalist battling anaemia receives Tabung Kasih@HAWANA aid
Teo Nie Ching (second right) presenting the contribution to Jee Cheng Hee. – Bernama photo SANDAKAN (June 17): A journalist battling anaemia expressed her heartfelt gratitude and was visibly moved upon receiving a contribution from the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund, presented by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching Tuesday. Merdeka Daily News journalist Jee Cheng Yee, 35, said the cash contribution would help ease the burden of her medical and treatment expenses. The mother of three – aged eight, four, and 11 months – shared that she developed anaemia following caesarean sections during the birth of her children. 'I'm very grateful to the Sabah Journalists Association and the Sandakan Media Association for assisting me with the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA application process,' said Jee, who has been a journalist for 10 years and is currently based in Sandakan. 'I hope this kind of assistance can reach and support more journalists who are in need,' she said when met at her residence in Taman Yeng Seng here. Also present at the visit were Malaysian National News Agency's (Bernama) head of Management Services and Finance, Sharifah Zaini Syed Zain, and head of Corporate Affairs, Mariati Mohd Arif. Meanwhile, Teo said a total of 19 media practitioners in Sabah have benefited from the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA initiative to date. She added that RM1 million has been allocated for the fund this year, expressing hope that more media personnel in need would receive the assistance. 'We will consider all applications and determine the donation amount based on each individual's circumstances,' she said. The Tabung Kasih@HAWANA initiative reflects the spirit of Malaysia MADANI by upholding values of compassion and care, particularly for media practitioners who have long contributed to society but are now facing life or health challenges. The fund was established as a Communications Ministry initiative and implemented through Bernama to support serving and retired journalists and other media practitioners who are facing hardships or financial difficulties. To date, a total of 442 media practitioners nationwide have benefited from the initiative, with contributions amounting to RM1.2 million. – Bernama
The Star
15-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Digital transformation funds must benefit media nationwide, says Sabah journalists' group
Sabah Journalists Association president, Mariah Doksil. KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) has urged the government to ensure that its latest digital transformation initiative for the media is inclusive, practical and results-driven. This is especially important for journalists in Sabah and Sarawak who often face unique on-the-ground challenges, said SJA president Mariah Doksil. In welcoming the Federal Government's RM30mil allocation for digital transformation in the media sector, she added the move was a timely recognition of journalism's evolving role in an increasingly digital and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven landscape. However, Mariah stressed that meaningful engagement with state-level media organisations must not be treated as an afterthought 'Sabah and Sarawak's inclusion must not be tokenistic. There must be clear KPIs to assess whether or not these programmes truly reach and benefit journalists (across the nation),' she said in a statement on Sunday (June 15). ALSO READ: Govt to allocate RM30mil for media digital transformation, says Anwar Mariah added that the allocation is a valuable opportunity for media practitioners to upskill and embrace new storytelling tools, provided that training is accessible and tailored to the diverse needs of journalists. 'In a world increasingly shaped by AI, journalists must remain ethical, factually accurate, and, most importantly, human in their storytelling. These programmes should help ensure that our work retains its jiwa, the soul and empathy that define meaningful journalism,' she said. Mariah stressed the importance of proper consultation with local media bodies such as SJA to ensure that no one is left behind. The RM30mil allocation was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when officiating the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration at the World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (June 14). The funds are intended to support digital transformation and the adoption of new technologies in the media industry. Mariah said that while the allocation is a step in the right direction, it must be translated into meaningful and measurable outcomes, not just for major media players in the peninsula, but for every journalist striving to tell stories from the rural and remote corners of Malaysia. ALSO READ: Fahmi announces founding board members of Malaysian Media Council Meanwhile, on the government's move to enhance social protection for local and national stringers – part-time or freelance journalists – through the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) and Employees Provident Fund (EPF) i-Saraan contributions, Mariah welcomed it but called for clarity in its implementation. 'Local stringers are the backbone of rural coverage, while national stringers bridge regional voices with the national narrative. These are necessary steps to safeguard their livelihoods, but the process must be straightforward and accessible,' she said. Mariah also proposed the creation of a centralised database to keep track of stringers across the country, an initiative she believes will help provide structured and targeted support. 'Of our 115 active members, around 20% are stringers. A dedicated platform would go a long way towards ensuring that their contributions are properly recognised and their needs adequately addressed,' she added. On Saturday, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced that social security protection for stringers would be expanded under both PERKESO and EPF.
Borneo Post
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sabah Journalists welcome digital transformation allocation, urge inclusive implementation and support for stringers
Mariah Doksil KOTA KINABALU (June 15): The Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) has welcomed the federal government's allocation for digital transformation in the media sector, calling it a timely recognition of journalism's evolving role in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world. In a statement on Sunday, SJA President Mariah Doksil said the initiative reflects the government's acknowledgment of the media's vital contribution towards building an informed and democratic society. 'The Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) welcomes the digital transformation allocation. We view it as a significant recognition in shaping an informed and democratic society,' she said. Mariah stressed that the allocation presents an opportunity for media practitioners to equip themselves with new skills, adapt to modern tools, and enhance storytelling quality in the face of rapid technological advancements. 'In a world increasingly shaped by AI, journalists must be equipped with the right competencies to remain relevant and ethical. We hope that any training or programmes under this allocation will help journalists not only prioritise factual accuracy without AI manipulation, but also retain the human soul, 'ada jiwa' and empathy in journalism,' she added. She also underscored the need for inclusive implementation of the programme, urging meaningful engagement with state-level media associations. 'Engagement sessions with state-level media associations are essential. Participation from Sabah and Sarawak should not be treated as token or a mere formality. Clear KPIs should be established to measure the programme's impact effectively,' said Mariah. On the government's move to enhance the welfare of media stringers both local and national through the PERKESO social protection scheme and i-Saraan EPF contributions, SJA expressed its appreciation and called for accessibility and clarity in implementation. 'Local stringers are the backbone of rural coverage, while national stringers provide diverse perspectives from Sabah to the national level. These initiatives are timely and much-needed steps towards safeguarding their social protection and securing their futures. We hope these programmes will be accessible and user-friendly for the intended recipients,' she said. Mariah also proposed the establishment of a dedicated platform to collect and maintain data on stringers nationwide, aimed at providing more structured and targeted support. 'Among our 115 active SJA members, approximately 20 percent are stringers. A centralised platform would go a long way in ensuring their needs are met and their contributions better recognised,' she added. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an allocation of RM30 million to support media organisations in digital transformation initiatives and the adoption of new technologies for content production when officiating the National Journalists' Day (Hawana) 2025 celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. He said the allocation aligns with efforts to strengthen the country's media ecosystem and ensure its sustainability.
