By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 25: The one-off RM700 media financial assistance incentive announced by the Sarawak government is being channelled through six media associations registered with the Registrar of Societies (ROS) to ensure that recipients are active members of the press who are registered as full-time staff with media agencies accredited under the Malaysia Information Department (JAPEN).
Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA) president Ronnie Teo highlighted this in responding to recent communications and social media discourse suggesting that “the media should be extended to all media practitioners working with Sarawak media companies, including those from online media, and not restructed to those affiliated with certain associations.”
While welcoming advocacy for the welfare of the media fraternity, Teo said it was necessary to clarify several key points to ensure the public and authorities were not misled by inaccurate feedback.
He pointed out that Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, in his winding-up speech at the Third Meeting of the 19th Sitting of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, had clearly outlined that the financial assistance was a recognition of the contribution, cooperation and dedication of the media fraternity in Sarawak.
Under the announcement, he said, the incentive would be paid or channelled through six registered media associations as at Dec 1, 2025, including KDJA.
“This incentive is designed to recognise the contributions and sacrifices of media practitioners in delivering information and news professionally. KDJA has previously lauded this as timely recognition of the role of journalists as frontliners,” he said in a statement today.
Teo confirmed that KDJA currently has 250 members, all of whom are active members of the press, registered full time with media agencies accredited under JAPEN, with renewed memberships for the 2025 financial year as at Dec 1, 2025.
He also stressed that KDJA had never submitted a formal request to the Premier or the Sarawak government for financial incentives, adding that the allocation was a proactive, last-minute gesture by Abang Johari to appreciate the unwavering commitment of media associations towards Sarawak’s development.
The media assistance, he said, was announced alongside the Special Financial Assistance (Bantuan Khas Kewangan or BKK) equivalent to two months’ salary for Sarawak civil servants, as well as a one-off special financial assistance for all federal civil servants serving in Sarawak throughout 2025.
Ronnie further noted that Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol had clarified that the assistance would be channelled through six media associations formally recognised and registered under the Registrar of Societies (ROS).
He said KDJA remains committed to safeguarding the welfare and professionalism of its members and is grateful for the Sarawak government’s continued support.
“We will continue to act as the primary bridge for our members’ needs through correct and official channels,” he said.
Ronnie added that KDJA has consistently encouraged eligible media practitioners to formalise their professional status by joining the association, noting that for a nominal annual fee of RM15, members gain access to welfare support and professional representation.
“By maintaining active membership, journalists are officially recognised within the State’s media framework, making them eligible for various government incentives and support programmes,” he said. — DayakDaily
