KUCHING: Strengthening journalists’ welfare is key to safeguarding press freedom and ensuring quality reporting, says Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA) president Ronnie Teo.
In a statement issued in conjunction with World Press Freedom Day, Teo stressed that true press freedom goes beyond the absence of censorship, and must include an environment where journalists can work with security, dignity and independence.
“True press freedom is not merely the absence of censorship — it is the presence of an environment where journalists can operate with security, dignity, and independence,” he said.
Teo described the occasion as a timely call to action for media practitioners in Sarawak to remain united in upholding press freedom and protecting the integrity of the state’s media landscape.
He emphasised that all stakeholders have a role in advocating for better welfare for journalists, including fair compensation, mental health support and stronger legal protections.
“For us in KDJA, when we prioritise the well-being and welfare of our journalists, we empower them to focus entirely on their essential work,” he said.
“A secure journalist is a fearless journalist who can investigate deeply, report accurately, and hold power to account without the distraction of personal or professional precariousness,” he added.
He noted that in a vast and diverse region like Sarawak, the media plays a crucial role as a bridge between the government and the grassroots, making the welfare of journalists directly linked to the quality of information received by the public.
Teo also called for a collective commitment to foster a culture of transparency, stressing that unity among media practitioners is vital to ensure the truth can be pursued without fear or favour.
