KUCHING: A total of 46 media practitioners and media veterans in Sarawak have received assistance through the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA since its introduction in 2023 to help those facing health issues and financial hardship.
Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian National News Agency (BERNAMA), Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, said that six recipients in the state received assistance through the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA collaboration with Telekom Malaysia (TM).
She said that, at the national level, the collaboration has benefitted 34 recipients since June 20.
“We are also working closely with state media clubs to help channel information about media practitioners or media veterans facing health challenges or financial difficulties so that assistance can be extended to them,” she told reporters after the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA contribution presentation at the home of Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) photographer, Jaed Tepus, here today.
Nur-ul Afida said each recipient typically receives RM3,000 in assistance. However, the amount may be reviewed based on individual needs, such as surgery or medical treatment, subject to the approval of the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA Committee.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Communications’ Secretary-General, Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, said the programme, managed by BERNAMA, aims to reach out to serving media practitioners and media veterans facing various challenges, particularly health-related issues.
He said the government remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of media practitioners and will continue to ensure they receive the support they deserve.
“Today’s visit, organised by BERNAMA, is specifically intended to reach out to media practitioners, whether they are still serving or are veterans facing challenges, particularly health-related issues.
“The government is deeply concerned about their welfare and will continue to give attention to ensuring they receive the necessary care and support,” he said.
Recipient Jaed Tepus expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Communications, BERNAMA and TM for the assistance he received.
He said the contribution meant a great deal to him and his family and hoped initiatives such as Tabung Kasih@HAWANA would continue to benefit more media practitioners in need.
“On behalf of my family, I would like to express our deepest gratitude for this contribution. I hope this initiative will continue in the future,” he said.
Jaed, 60, has been suffering from an intestinal tumour since February and joined UKAS in 2023.
He previously served with the Sarawak Information Department from 2012 to 2023 and the National Film Department of Malaysia from 1993 to 2012.
Tabung Kasih@HAWANA x TM is an initiative under Tabung Kasih@HAWANA, established through Telekom Malaysia’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) contribution to expand assistance for media practitioners in need.
Through funding channelled beginning in June 2026, a total of 34 media practitioners nationwide have benefitted from the initiative.
Since its launch in April 2023, a total of 800 media practitioners across the country have benefitted from Tabung Kasih@HAWANA, an initiative by the Ministry of Communications implemented through BERNAMA.
