KUALA LUMPUR: New Straits Times sports reporter Fabian Peter won the Best News Report award at the 2023 Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM)-100PLUS awards yesterday.
The Penang-born journalist took home RM3,000 for his exclusive report on Indonesian coach Indra Wijaya taking legal action against his former player, Lee Zii Jia.
A jubilant Fabian said the award is recognition for his hard work.
"It feels great. As a journo, this is a huge affirmation for the work we do," he said.
Commenting on the award-winning article, Fabian said he worked on his day off for the story, and had to delay his musical performance at Merdekarya PJ .
"I remember it was my day off, and I was ready to get on stage to perform when I got a call from my source, "Fabian, do you want a story?"
Meanwhile, Harian Metro won the prestigious Siebel Award. Harian Metro sports reporters Aida Adilah Mat, Firdaus Hashim and Amirul Fazli Zulkafli worked on a special report titled "Ketandusan Atlet Pelapis," which highlighted Malaysia's shortage of future athletes.
The grand prize was presented by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The ceremony was also graced by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Olympic Council of Malaysia president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria.
Roll of Honour
Best athlete: Nur Ain Nabilah Tarmizi / Aleena Ahmad Nawawi (Lawn Bowls)
Best para athlete: Cheah Liek Hou (Para-badminton)
Best young athlete: Ng Jing Xuen (Golf)
Special award: Sepak Takraw Association Of Malaysia
Special award: Johan Ghazali (Muay Thai)
Dynamic NSA: MTBC
Leadership award: Tun Ali Rustam
Top commentator: Suzana Basri (Astro Arena)
Best print report: Fabian Mark Peter (NST)
Best electronic media report: Zulhelmi Zainal Azam & Al Fathy Azlan (Astro Arena)
Best print commentary: T. Avineshwaran (The Star)
Best electronic media commentary: Lukman Md Salleh (Astro Arena)
Best photography: Mohd Izzul Farhan (Bernama)
Best feature: Aida Adilah Mat, Firdaus Hashim, Amirul Fazli Zulkafli (Harian Metro)
Siebel award: Aida Adilah Mat, Firdaus Hashim, Amirul Fazli Zulkafli (Harian Metro)