THE Federal Government has allocated RM1 million for the Kasih Awana Fund 2026 as part of continued support for media practitioners nationwide.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who was the guest of honour at the National Journalists’ Day 2026 (HAWANA 2026) celebration at PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena today, announced the allocation, describing it as part of the government’s commitment to strengthening the welfare of media personnel and the industry.
Anwar also revealed that a total of 72 media companies have so far received RM24.57 million under phases one to five of the Media Innovation Fund, which aims to support operational strengthening and digital transformation in the media sector.
He said the government would continue to ensure that such funding initiatives are sustained and expanded where necessary, depending on the effective utilisation of allocations.
“When funds are properly utilised, we will continue to increase allocations so that the industry is not left behind,” he said.
Also present were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, State Secretary Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long, Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, state executive members Wong Hon Wai and Goh Choon Aik, Bagan assemblyman Chee Yeeh Keen, Communications Ministry chief secretary Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, Communications Ministry deputy secretary-general (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil, Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Bernama CEO and Hawana 2026 Working Committee chairman Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) president and former Bernama CEO Datuk Yong Soo Heong.
Beyond media-related announcements, Anwar used his speech to reiterate that Malaysia’s reform agenda must be anchored in the rule of law and institutional integrity.
He stressed that reforms must be carried out through proper processes involving enforcement agencies, prosecutors and the judiciary, adding that even individuals viewed unfavourably must still be accorded due legal rights.
“We have chosen the path of the rule of law. It demands that due process is respected,” he said.
The Prime Minister cautioned against overly rigid or uncompromising approaches to reform, noting that historical experiences such as the French Revolution and political transitions in Eastern Europe demonstrated how radical change without institutional safeguards could lead to instability and worsen public welfare.
He cited historical examples including the French Revolution and political transitions in Eastern Europe, noting that excessive zeal for change without safeguards had, in some cases, worsened living conditions.
“This is not an excuse for delay or for condoning wrongdoing, but change must be examined rationally and implemented wisely,” he said.
Anwar added that Malaysia’s “Madani” approach emphasises gradual, structured transformation focused on economic growth and the wellbeing of the people.
He also urged media practitioners to better understand both the strengths and limitations of governance when reporting on reform-related issues, stressing that progress must ultimately be assessed based on its impact on economic stability and the wellbeing of the rakyat.
“Let us ensure that our efforts are guided by wisdom and responsibility,” he said.
Meanwhile, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that Telekom Malaysia (TM) has contributed RM500,000 to Tabung Kasih@HAWANA as a strategic corporate social responsibility (CSR) partner.
He said the contribution would help strengthen and expand the reach of the fund, which provides financial assistance to media practitioners in need.
Fahmi also urged government-linked companies (GLCs) and local corporations to support the local media industry through strategic collaborations, including CSR initiatives, sponsorships and industry development programmes.
He added that since its launch in April 2023 until 20 June 2026, the fund has disbursed a total of RM2.26 million to 773 media practitioners nationwide.
He highlighted ongoing government efforts to safeguard the welfare and future of media practitioners, including contributions under the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) for those previously without coverage.
He said the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) under SOCSO was first implemented in 2024, benefiting 531 part-time media practitioners (stringers), with RM15,933.80 allocated for the initiative.
The programme was later expanded to include EPF’s i-Saraan scheme, benefiting 496 part-time media practitioners with total contributions of RM31,200.
Fahmi reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the media industry through the Media Innovation Fund, which supports adaptation to digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
He said the fund comprises four key areas: media worker training; software and technology adaptation including AI, automation and creative tools; equipment and infrastructure support; and research and development of innovative content.
He also said the government supports the implementation of Project SIGMA 2.0, led by Google Malaysia in collaboration with the Malaysian Media Council (MMM) and the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI), aimed at enhancing media practitioners’ skills in technology and AI.
Fahmi further said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exchange between national news agency Bernama and Tatoli, the national news agency of Timor-Leste, would further strengthen regional media cooperation.
He said the collaboration reflects ASEAN’s commitment to credible journalism, information sharing and regional integration, particularly following Timor-Leste’s admission as the bloc’s 11th member during last year’s ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
Fahmi thanked media practitioners for their dedication, sacrifice and commitment in delivering information to the public, urging them to continue upholding ethics, responsibility and integrity.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Iqbal Hamdan
Video by Siew Chia En