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By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Sept 24: Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) handed over a Tabung Kasih@Hawana contribution to a former Utusan Borneo Editor (Iban Section) Edwin Jemat Nangkai, at his home in Sungai Bari, Mile 27 Kuching-Serian Road, today.
The contribution was presented by its Sarawak Bureau Chief, Hamdan Ismail, on behalf of the Secretariat of Tabung Kasih@Hawana.
Jemat, who is paralysed and wheelchair-bound, thanked the government and the Minister of Communications and Digital (KKD) Fahmi Fadzil for including him to receive such assistance.
“I applauded the minister on his vision and understanding in helping former media personnel in difficulties like me and I hope people like me will not be left aside. I hope the government will do more of this kind of assistance,” said the former news editor.
Jemat, 70, said despite being immobile, his mind is still sharp and he misses all his media friends who helped him a lot in the industry.
He revealed he had to quit his job after a self-accident on his motorbike near his home in 2016.
“I am glad to be here, and my family, especially my wife, who has helped me with my recovery and now.
Jemat lamented that he does not have welfare assistance from the Welfare Department (JKM) because he is a retired civil servant and a pensioner.
He hoped the department could provide some form of assistance to people like him as a former civil servant, and to many others who are like him.
His wife, 65-year-old Rosemary, told reporters they had applied for a Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC), but they have no news on the status of their application.
“It is hard to be mobile as Jemat needs me 24/7, and we are alone as most of the time our children are away with their own life. They do come, but since I am still able, so I take care of him the most, “she said.
Tabung Kasih@HAWANA was established during Hari Wartawan Nasional (HAWANA) 2023, and is aimed at media personnel who are currently in practice and who have retired but experiencing difficulties and needing assistance.
It was an initiative by KKD and has been implemented through Bernama since April 2023.
Two other Sarawak media personnel who received contributions from the initiative are Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) staff, Irwan Budi Annuar, 49, who is on haemodialysis and has lung cancer, retired New Sarawak Tribune Sports Editor January Mesa, 67, who had a stroke.
Persatuan Wartawan Bebas Kuching (Pewarta) chairman Peter Sibon was also present. — DayakDaily
