KUCHING: A total of RM317,800 in special incentives has been disbursed to six media associations in Sarawak.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, said the contribution was channelled in April following financial processing procedures involving several state agencies.
He clarified that the allocation was not part of the original Budget or prepared speech, but a proposal submitted two to three days before the tabling.
“I hope this will no longer be an issue, as the main thing is the Premier’s willingness to recognise the importance of media practitioners,” he said during a press conference at the DUN media room today (May 14).
Abdullah explained the disbursement process involved agencies such as the Sarawak Treasury and the State Financial Secretary (SFS) before being channelled through UKAS accounts.
He added that Sarawak’s strict financial management procedures contributed to the time taken before the funds were distributed.
“The allocation is meant for the associations, which will decide how the funds are utilised, including for welfare assistance or activities for members,” he said.
The payout was distributed to six media associations, namely the Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA) Sarawak Branch, Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA), Pertubuhan Wartawan Bebas Kuching (PEWARTA), Sibu Journalists Association (SJA), The Institute of Rejang Journalists (IRJ), and the Northern Sarawak Journalists Association, benefiting 454 media practitioners.
On the same note, Saidol said the third Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) is tentatively scheduled for the end of July, with a revised one-day format.
He said the programme will be followed by a series of workshops, including sessions targeting youth and university students, as well as media-focused topics such as entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, digital trends, governance, ethics and regulations.
He added that a pre-election workshop will also be organised to equip journalists, particularly newcomers, with a better understanding of election processes, terminology and reporting guidelines.
“UKAS is also planning to introduce an election helpdesk to assist journalists with information, including candidate profiles and election-related data.
“The conference will conclude with a dinner to mark National Journalists Day at the state level, where a special Premier’s award will also be presented,” he said.
