By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 1: Datuk Abdullah Saidol has proposed a special insurance scheme to safeguard the welfare of media personnel in Sarawak and ensure access to medical treatment in the event of untoward incidents while on duty.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) report, the Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and UKAS) said such initiatives are important, especially for media personnel who are involved in critical tasks and are exposed to various risks.
“At UKAS, through our Welfare Club, we do our best to provide support, including organising visits. However, for more critical cases, I propose the creation of a special insurance scheme for those exposed to high-risk situations,” he said.
He said this after visiting a staff member of Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) Sarawak receiving treatment at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) on Thursday (July 31).
During the visit, Abdullah also presented the patient with a personal contribution, as well as a welfare contribution from the Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA).
In addition, he touched on the media welfare fund announced last year by Communications Minister, Datuk Ahmad Fahmi Fadzil.
“I still want to know the status of the announcement he made last year about the welfare fund for all journalists. I’m not sure what its status is.
“I hope all journalists will be able to benefit from the fund, although I’m still unclear about how the scheme operates—especially for field media personnel who face various risks, made worse by the current extreme heat. I believe many are already experiencing fever and other related symptoms,” he added.
Meanwhile, Abdullah also suggested that journalist associations in Sarawak reach out to BERNAMA, the agency managing the HAWANA Media Welfare Fund, to seek assistance on behalf of media colleagues in Sarawak who are in need.
He added that he has constantly reminded UKAS to play an active role in monitoring and informing him if any media personnel are going through difficult times, involved in an accident, or receiving hospital treatment. — DayakDaily
