TWO SARAWAK MEDIA PRACTITIONERS RECEIVE TABUNG KASIH@HAWANA X TM AID

KUCHING, July 15 (Bernama) -- Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah today presented a contribution from Tabung Kasih@HAWANA X TM to Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) photographer Jaed Tepus during a visit to his home here.

Jaed, 60, has been suffering from colon cancer since February.

Also present were Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, Bernama Management Services and Finance head Sharifah Zaini Syed Zain and TM Sarawak assistant general manager Zakinah Tuah.

Abdul Halim said the visit was aimed at reaching out to media practitioners, including those still serving and veterans, who are facing various challenges, particularly health issues.

"The visit reflects the government's concern in ensuring that the welfare of media practitioners continues to receive attention and that they are given due support," he told reporters after the visit.

Jaed began serving with UKAS in 2023 after previously serving with the Sarawak Information Department from 2012 to 2023 and the National Film Department from 1993 to 2012.

Meanwhile, in a separate visit, Nur-ul Afida presented a contribution to TV3 regional correspondent Kadir Edison, 44, to assist with his wife's medical expenses, as she is undergoing treatment for diabetes and a lung infection.

She said that 46 media practitioners in Sarawak had received assistance through Tabung Kasih@HAWANA since the initiative was introduced in 2023.

She added that six media practitioners in Sarawak had received contributions through the collaboration between Tabung Kasih and Telekom Malaysia (TM) since June 20.

"We have also established cooperation with state media clubs to help provide information on media colleagues or veterans who are facing health issues or hardships in life," she said.

Tabung Kasih@HAWANA X TM, an initiative under Tabung Kasih@HAWANA established through Telekom Malaysia’s (TM) corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, has benefited 34 media practitioners nationwide through assistance channelled since June 2026.

Since its introduction in April 2023, 800 media practitioners nationwide have received assistance under Tabung Kasih@HAWANA, an initiative by the Ministry of Communications through Bernama.

-- BERNAMA