By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 23: Pertubuhan Wartawan Bebas Kuching (Pewarta) has channelled most of the RM200,000 it raised since 2019 to help journalists in need, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic when many lost their jobs.
Its president Peter Sibon said almost 60 to 70 per cent of this funding has been channelled to journalists–members and non-members alike who are in need of financial assistance.
“For your information too, the setting up of Pewarta was really timely and aptly, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, when we distributed food baskets to our members who lost their jobs,” he said when speaking at the opening of the inaugural Pewarta Business Writing Workshop held at Harbour View Hotel today.
Peter said Pewarta was formed in 2019 with three core objectives: to organise capacity-building programmes for members and stakeholders, and to provide welfare support.
Since then, Pewarta has organised various programmes in partnership with media organisations and associations.
“With DayakDaily, we have organised forums with Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for young entrepreneurs and an etiquette workshop for local journalists.
“Through its annual D’Drift programme, we also distributed books and soft toys to remote schools in Baram, Belaga and Padawan.
“We have also collaborated with Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA) Sarawak in organising workshops on carbon capture and carbon trading for local journalists, quite recently,” he added.
On the Pewarta Business Writing Workshop, Peter expressed appreciation to Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) president Datuk Yong Soo Heong for travelling from Kuala Lumpur to share his knowledge.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Datuk Yong for his willingness to come all the way from Kuala Lumpur to be our special guest by giving us three talks in this workshop,” he said.
He also thanked the Sarawak Premier, Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn and other benefactors for supporting Pewarta’s initiatives.
Looking ahead, Peter said Pewarta hopes to organise more relevant programmes for journalists and stakeholders.
The workshop attracted about 40 journalists and featured sessions by Yong on business reporting.
In the evening, the programme will continue with a panel discussion featuring Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations (SFCA) president Dato Richard Wee Liang Chiat and Yong, moderated by Federation of Sarawak Journalists Association (FSJA) president Ronnie Teo Teck Wei.
Earlier, the workshop was officiated by Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, who was represented by MEITD Head of Innovation Division Dr Cheong Yaw Liang. — DayakDaily
