Media practitioners call on govt to provide healthcare, welfare aid for industry veterans

IPOH, June 12 — The government is urged to consider introducing a dedicated aid mechanism for veteran or former media practitioners in recognition of their contributions to the nation’s journalism industry, while also helping to ease their post-retirement financial burdens.

Perak Sinar Harian bureau chief Saifullah Ahmad said among the assistance that should be considered is providing access to free treatment at government healthcare facilities, similar to the benefits enjoyed by civil servants.

He said the move would not only help reduce medical costs but also serve as a gesture of appreciation for media practitioners who have greatly contributed to information dissemination and national development.

“Some retired media practitioners face various health issues due to age and work-related stress throughout their careers. Free medical treatment would provide relief to them,” he told Bernama.

He added that efforts to compile comprehensive data on former media practitioners should be prioritised, including through media associations or clubs in each state, to ensure assistance can be delivered in a more organised and inclusive manner.

Echoing the same view, The Star photographer Ronnie Chin Foon Kheng, 53, said some former media practitioners face life challenges as they age, particularly health issues and increasingly limited income.

“The government could consider allocating healthcare provisions for this group, including treatment aid, regular health screenings and medical support to ease their burden,” said Chin, who has about 25 years of experience in photography.

He added that subsistence assistance or special allowances should also be considered for former media practitioners who are no longer working and do not have a fixed income, to help them lead more comfortable lives and cope with the rising cost of living.

Meanwhile, Stesen Televisyen Malaysia Berhad (TV3) journalist Shaharil Kadir, 48, suggested introducing a special card for veteran media practitioners to facilitate more systematic delivery of aid and benefits.

He said the card could serve as an official medium enabling holders to enjoy various privileges and facilities, particularly at public institutions and government agencies.

“The special card initiative could also be expanded to include various incentives such as discounted airfares and public transport fares to help reduce the cost of living for this group,” he said while sharing suggestions on efforts to safeguard the welfare of veteran media practitioners.

He said strategic collaboration with the private sector should also be enhanced to allow cardholders to receive special prices or discounts on various products and services, especially during Hawana celebrations.

Previously, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said state media clubs under Gabungan Kelab Media Malaysia (GKMM) had been asked to submit proposals to strengthen the welfare of former media practitioners, including establishing a more structured mechanism to assist industry veterans.

Fahmi said the proposals could be considered ahead of National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) celebrations to enable a more systematic framework to be developed for the welfare of former media workers.

He said some former media practitioners feel marginalised after retirement, while others prefer a more private life. As such, a more structured approach could help those in need of social and welfare support.

The Hawana 2026 celebration, scheduled to take place in Penang on June 20, is expected to gather about 1,000 local and foreign media practitioners, with the main event to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Hawana is celebrated annually on May 29 in conjunction with the publication of the first edition of Utusan Melayu on May 29, 1939, as a tribute to the contributions and services of media practitioners to national development. — Bernama