MEDIA, CREATIVE ARTS PRACTITIONERS RECEIVE CONTRIBUTIONS IN 'RAYA SAMA-SAMA' EVENT

KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) -- Some 50 members of the creative arts fraternity and 26 media practitioners received contributions in the form of cash, festive clothing and shopping vouchers in conjunction with Ramadan and the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.

They were honoured at the ‘Raya Sama-Sama’ event organised by the Communications Ministry in collaboration with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS).

The event took place at Dewan Cendekiawan, Tun Abdul Razak Information and Broadcasting Institute (IPPTAR) here.

bootstrap slideshow

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the initiative aims to enhance the welfare and well-being of media professionals and members of the creative industry who have contributed to the development of the nation’s media and creative sectors.

“In line with the aspirations of the MADANI government, which emphasises compassion and human empowerment, this programme reflects the government’s appreciation for members of the creative arts fraternity and the vital role of media practitioners in society,” he said in his speech at the event.

Present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin; Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj; Deputy Editor-in-Chief  (Economic News Services) Azlina Aziz and Head of Management Services and Finance Sharifah Zaini Syed Zain.

bootstrap slideshow

Also in attendance were IPPTAR director Roslan Ariffin; Broadcasting director-general Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman; and FINAS deputy director-general of management Datin Rozita Waty Ridzuan.

Fahmi said since its launch in April 2023, the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund has benefited 341 media practitioners, demonstrating the government's commitment to their welfare.

A total of 50 creative arts practitioners have also received support through the Ziarah Seni MADANI Finas initiative.

Earlier, members of the creative arts industry were given cash contributions from FINAS and festive clothing, sponsored by Deco Guru Builder Sdn. Bhd. (DGB Studio), while media professionals received assistance through the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund.

The recipients also received shopping vouchers from Mydin and Yayasan AEON Malaysia to help them prepare for Aidilfitri.

During the event, Fahmi also announced a RM50,000 allocation for the Malaysian Veteran Artists Welfare Association.

Speaking to reporters later, Fahmi said there are plans to meet with the association to review 10 key concerns that they raised, including opportunities for performances at Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) events and access to medical treatment.

-- BERNAMA