By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 15: A media clubhouse has been proposed to serve as a meeting and interaction space for Sarawak journalists.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, said the initiative aims to provide a place where media practitioners can take a break from their daily routines, share ideas and strengthen camaraderie.
“At this media clubhouse, it is a place for media practitioners to gather, relax, share ideas and exchange notes, with a leisure area, a small cafe, a pool table, darts and other facilities for socialising.
“There is also a bathroom for use after work, especially for those who need to head to another location during the day.
“This place also provides an opportunity to meet friends, exchange views and strengthen relationships among media practitioners, and I think this is a good idea,” he was quoted as saying in the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) news report today.
He also suggested adding recreational amenities such as a pickleball court, a small sports field or a mini gym, with the possibility of funding through sponsorship from government-linked companies (GLCs) to reduce reliance on public funds.
Abdullah made the remarks during the Organising Committee Appreciation Ceremony in conjunction with the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2025 and the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 held here yesterday (Aug 14).
Meanwhile, Federation of Sarawak Journalists Association (FSJA) president Ronnie Teo Teck Wei, in response to the announcement, lauded the proposal as a “game-changer” for Sarawak’s media fraternity.
“As media practitioners, our working situations are very mobile and flexible, often requiring us to move between multiple assignments and locations within a single day.
“The significant downtime between these functions presents a major logistical challenge at our own expense,” he said in a statement today.
Teo, who is also the Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA) president, further said the dedicated space would provide a much-needed, convenient hub for the media to work efficiently.
“A reliable space with internet access, power and resources would allow us to file stories, pictures, videos and edit materials on the go, ensuring timely reporting.
“Furthermore, the provision of a place for rest and recuperation is crucial for the well-being of journalists who face long and demanding hours. This initiative is welcomed to bolster the effectiveness and productivity of the entire Sarawak media fraternity,” he added.
He also proposed replicating the initiative in Sibu and Miri to serve reporters there, and expressed readiness to work with UKAS and the Sarawak government to make it happen. — DayakDaily
