KUCHING: In the rush of chasing headlines and telling the stories of others, one veteran media practitioner now finds himself at the centre of a story no one wishes to tell – his own fight for health.
For Razali Nordin, 54, the reality has been sobering.
Known among peers for his years on the ground, Razali is currently battling multiple health complications, including heart valve issues, gallstones, kidney problems and diabetes – a combination that recently led to a medical emergency.
In a tense and emotional moment, personnel from the Petra Jaya Fire and Rescue Station responded swiftly, transporting to him via Emergency Medical Services (EMS) ambulance to hospital for urgent treatment.
For those who witnessed it, the scene struck close to home.
A man who had long worked behind the lens – documenting life, hardship and humanity – is now the subject of his own unfolding struggle.
The incident has since drawn concern from various quarters, including Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Deputy Minister for Public Communication, Datuk Abdullah Saidol, both of whom have expressed concerns over his condition.
Within the media fraternity, support has also poured in, reflecting a quiet but enduring sense of solidarity among colleagues.
Yet, beyond the immediate response, the situation has stirred a deeper, more uncomfortable reflection.
Vice-President of the Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA), Zulazhar Sheblee, summed it up in a remark that resonated widely:
“When the public needs help, the media will be there. But when media practitioners fall ill and need help… no one seems to notice,” he said.
It is a statement that lingers and a reminder of the often unseen reality behind the profession.
Those in the media are constantly present at the frontlines of events, crises and community life.
Yet, when the roles are reversed, and they themselves are tested, the spotlight rarely turns their way.
Razali’s situation is not just a personal battle; it is a wake-up call.
A reminder that in the pursuit of deadlines, assignments and responsibilities, health should never be sidelined.
Because in the end, when the body weakens and the pace slows, what remains essential is not the story filed, but the support, care and compassion shared among one another.
