Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the initiative aims to ensure that media practitioners - who have contributed significantly to society - are not forgotten and supported in times of need.
Launched in April last year, the initiative has so far benefitted 234 media practitioners, with support from sponsors like AEON BiG, which provides essential items.
"Of this total, 204 recipients were individuals facing health issues or other challenges that required assistance," Fahmi said.
He was speaking to reporters after spending 30 minutes visiting former Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) cameraman Asmara Mat Hassan at Kampung Sungai Rengas here today. Asmara was among the recipients of aid from Tabung Kasih@Hawana.
Also present during the visit were Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said there is a need to expand the criteria and terms for Tabung Kasih@Hawana assistance beyond health and welfare issues.
"We have asked Bernama to explore this, especially during festive seasons. For instance, we provided some aid during Deepavali, and now we are approaching Christmas, Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
"I believe there is a need to broaden the scope to help journalists affected by issues such as delayed or unpaid salaries, in addition to health or welfare concerns. The aim is to extend immediate assistance to those in need," he said.
Fahmi added that visits like the one to Asmara's home clearly demonstrate that former media practitioners are not forgotten.
"I hope next year, we can reach more individuals in need. It deeply affects me when some recipients receive aid but later pass away. However, I pray that in cases like Asmara he can recover, God willing," he said.
Asmara, 62, who served RTM for 36 years since 1981, now requires dialysis and physiotherapy treatments following a stroke in September. He has also suffered from kidney disease since May 2020.
In addition to financial aid, the father of four received essential items from AEON BiG.
Asmara expressed gratitude for being selected as a recipient, saying the assistance will help ease the cost of his thrice-weekly dialysis treatments at a clinic here.
He also advised active media practitioners to remain honest and transparent in their reporting.
"Make the most of the technology and tools available today. Compared to my time, you have more resources. So, perform your duties to the best of your ability," he said.
Tabung Kasih@Hawana was established by the Communications Ministry through Bernama to assist journalists and media practitioners, whether active or retired, who are ailing or in need of support.-Bernama