KUALA LUMPUR: Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil will meet with representatives of some 800 former Utusan Melayu Bhd employees who were laid off following the liquidation of the company in 2019.
"I will probably meet them (the group's representatives) after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration to better understand their plight and ensure that their wellbeing is being taken care of.
"We will look into ways to help the families. Among other things, we will help with improving Internet connectivity and increasing their household income," he told reporters after visiting ailing former Utusan Malaysia journalist Muhammad Basir Abu Bakar, who is suffering from aortic stenosis (hardening of the heart valve).
During the visit, Fahmi handed over cash aid and essential items to Basir ahead of the Aidilfitri celebration.
Fahmi said he would be in talks with the Unifi to provide Basir's family with free fixed-line Internet service for three years. He also asked the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) to help to alleviate the burden of Basir's family by providing guidance on digital business.
Also present during the visit were the Communications and Digital Ministry deputy secretary-general Mastura Ahmad Mustafa and Bernama chief executive officer Roslan Ariffin.