KAMPAR: The Communications and Digital Ministry will hold discussions with the Social Security Organisation (Socso) and relevant parties regarding contributions for journalists, especially part-time journalists known as stringers.
Minister Fahmi Fadzil discussed the matter with ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and hopes that contributions to Socso for stringers will be made soon.
The ministry needs to address the issues faced by stringers who do not work for organizations or media companies full time.
“There have been cases where stringers were involved in accidents that left them unable to work, but the cost of rehabilitation is high and not covered by Socso,” said Fahmi.
“So, we want to improve and help more stringers as they complete the ecosystem for media practitioners and provide valuable assistance,” he added.
Fahmi visited Ng Kan Seng, a freelance journalist, to deliver aid and show support.
Also present were Bernama CEO Roslan Ariffin, Bernama Domestic News Service deputy editor-in-chief Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and Bernama Economic News Service deputy editor-in-chief D. Arul Rajoo.
Ng, 68, had worked for several Chinese-language newspapers and focused on the Kampar area.
Fahmi recognized the difficulties Ng faces, as he has to take care of his wife who suffered a stroke and his younger brother who has a spinal cord injury.
The aid includes essential goods and cash, aimed at reducing Ng’s burden.
Tabung Kasih@Hawana was established to provide assistance to media practitioners in need, in conjunction with Hawana 2023.
It is an initiative of the ministry implemented through Bernama, aiming to support the media community with the challenges of life.
Ng expressed his gratitude to Fahmi, Bernama, and all involved parties for the assistance.
In Batu Gajah, the Hawana 2023 secretariat also presented a donation to Bernama stringer Razif Rosli, who is suffering from kidney disease.
The aid was contributed by the ministry, Bank Rakyat Malaysia Berhad, Pusat Pakaian Hari-Hari, Mydin, Aeon Big, MSM Malaysia Holdings Berhad, and the National Higher Education Fund Corporation.
In total, 10 media practitioners have received Tabung Kasih@Hawana donations since April 14, 2023. – Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
