Two former media workers in Johor receive festive aid from the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund, highlighting government support for journalists in need.

JOHOR BAHRU: Two former media practitioners facing serious health challenges received meaningful festive aid through the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil personally delivered cash donations and basic necessities to their homes in Skudai.

The recipients are former Media Prima cameraman Idrus Rahmat, 55, and former Oriental Daily journalist Low Sock Ken, 68.

They are the 643rd and 644th beneficiaries of the initiative launched in April 2023.

Idrus, diagnosed with liver cancer last year, expressed gratitude for the government’s ongoing concern.

“I am very thankful that the government, through the Ministry of Communications, still cares for us even though we are no longer in service,” he said.

He also suffers from heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes after 29 years of service.

Low, who has heart issues, thyroid problems, and cataracts, was moved by the unexpected visit.

“That veteran media practitioners like me are still remembered is very moving,” she stated.

She underwent a heart stent procedure in 2018 and requires ongoing treatment.

Fahmi stated that follow-up actions would be coordinated to secure further assistance for Idrus.

This includes help with hospital treatment and necessary home roof repairs.

“I hope my presence and that of my colleagues today provides encouragement,” Fahmi added.

The Tabung Kasih@HAWANA initiative symbolises the government’s compassion for media practitioners.

It assists both active and retired journalists facing financial hardship or health issues.

The programme is implemented by the Ministry of Communications through Bernama.

Also present during the visits were Communications Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah and Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.

 The Sun Malaysia