DEEPAVALI: TWO MEDIA VETERANS RECEIVE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM TABUNG KASIH@HAWANA

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- Two media veterans today received contributions from the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA initiative in conjunction with Deepavali celebrations.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the recipients were former Tamil Malar journalist R. Saraspathy and former Tamil Nesan proofreader S. Batemaly.

“Both have dedicated many years to the media industry and are now unable to work.

“I hope that this small contribution brings some joy and happiness to our less fortunate media colleagues as they celebrate Deepavali,” he told reporters after visiting the two recipients at their homes in Batu Caves near here.

Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and Malaysian Tamil Media Organisation (MTMO) president S. Muthameez Manan were also present.

Saraspathy, 56, who served at Tamil Malar for 21 years, suffered a stroke in 2022 and now faces vision impairment and memory issues. She also struggles with diabetes, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol.

Batemaly, 75, who worked with Tamil Nesan for 46 years, is also dealing with health challenges, including chronic diabetes and early-stage epilepsy, which has weakened his hands. He has also undergone gallbladder polyp surgery.

According to Fahmi, MTMO has identified 16 Indian media practitioners, including Saraspathy and Batemaly, who will receive assistance from the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund in conjunction with Deepavali celebrations.

He added that the remaining recipients will receive contributions before Deepavali this Thursday.

In addition to financial aid, recipients will receive essential items provided with the support of Syarikat Pakaian Hari-Hari and AEON BiG.

Fahmi also said that 164 media colleagues have benefited from the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA initiative since its launch in April last year.

“… besides goods and cash assistance, we will follow up on other needs, particularly for those requiring medical support or assistance from agencies such as the Social Welfare Department or the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso),” he said.

The Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund, established in conjunction with the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2023, is an initiative by the Communications Ministry and implemented through Bernama. It aims to support the welfare of current and former media personnel in need, particularly those facing severe health challenges.

Meanwhile, in his post on social media, Fahmi also thanked Bernama for coordinating the initiative.

“I hope the donations will bring joy to the two recipients,” he said. 

Fahmi also shared a few pictures of the event.

-- BERNAMA