Day: May 24, 2024

KUCHING: The 2024 National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA 2024) celebration, which commences tomorrow, is not just about discussing ethics in the field of journalism, it is also the best platform to unravel important issues in the media industry, in line with today’s technological developments.

The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin said the current technology boom is somewhat affecting the revenue of media companies in the country, which also rely on advertisements as a source of income.

‘Due to the technology boom, there is information which is easily obtained online, and there are those who do not consider media companies, such as print media, to have a role for advertising.

‘Hence, we bring the topic of this matter to HAWANA 2024 to help media companies in Malaysia prepare themselves, and take steps to increase and improve their capabilities so that they remain in the media world,” she said in a special interview with Bernama Radio today.

Themed ‘Etika Te
ras Kewartawanan Mapan’, the three-day HAWANA 2024 is the largest gathering of Malaysian journalists, and the highlight of the celebration will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on May 27.

HAWANA 2024 is organised by the Ministry of Communications, in collaboration with the Sarawak government, with Bernama as the implementing agency.

Meanwhile, Nur-ul Afida, who is also HAWANA 2024 working committee chairman, said that the development and changes in technology need to be accepted by all parties in the media industry, as it helps hugely in the field of journalism, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the ChatGPT application.

However, Nur-ul Afida said despite the development of technology, all media practitioners must report ethically at all times, maintain journalistic principles and use human instincts to produce news in the best possible way.

‘We cannot depend on the old traditions; we have to think and be aware of the current trends, even though learning is not easy we have t
o accept this technological change,’ said Nu-rul Afida who has been involved in the world of journalism for 40 years.

Asked about the special features of HAWANA 2024, Nur-ul Afida said two things will be the focus, namely the proposal on the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council, and efforts to help part-time journalists or stringers who do not have a regular income.

In February, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the Malaysian Media Council Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament next month.

HAWANA 2024 opens tomorrow, with the Excursion with Students programme, to be launched by Fahmi at Pustaka Negeri here, apart from HAWANA 2024 Exhibition at the Main Atrium of the Merdeka Mall, which will also run for three days starting tomorrow.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

MAKKAH, A total of 56 Malaysian prospective pilgrims from KT43, initially scheduled to depart for Madinah on a Saudi Airlines flight at 6.30 am yesterday, had their flight rescheduled to 5.35pm (Malaysian time) today.

Head of Malaysian Haj Delegation for 1445H/2024, Datuk Seri Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman, said the group departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on a commercial Saudi Airlines flight accompanied by two haj officers.

‘The plane carrying the 58 individuals is expected to arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 9.25 pm and they will transit for two hours before boarding a specially arranged Saudi Airlines flight.

‘They are expected to arrive in Madinah at 12.35am (Saudi time) on May 25,” he told media personnel at the TH Headquarters here today.

Syed Saleh added that upon arrival, the group will be placed at their original hotel in Madinah and will independently manage their stay for 6 days and 5 nights. They will then travel to Makkah with their group.

The
original flight for the pilgrims experienced a malfunction, necessitating a replacement aircraft to be flown to KLIA. However, the replacement aircraft could only accommodate 298 of the 353 pilgrims in the KT43 group. This replacement flight departed from KLIA at 10.36 am on the same day, heading to Madinah.

As a result, TH and Saudi Airlines decided to temporarily accommodate the remaining pilgrims at the Movenpick Hotel in Sepang.

‘We received a report late last night confirming that all pilgrims are in good shape and well taken care of by TH. No complaints were expressed,” he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

CHUKAI, May 24 (Bernama) – The government’s directive for civil servants to wear Malaysian batik on Thursdays, which was enforced in August last year, has helped to boost the country’s batik industry, said Kraftangan Malaysia deputy director-general (development) Abdul Halim Ali.

He said this development can be seen from the increased value of Malaysian batik sales last year compared to the previous years.

“The value of batik sales in 2022 was RM83.3 million, and it increased to RM100.4 million last year. In fact, the number of batik entrepreneurs registered with Kraftangan Malaysia has also increased to 823 entrepreneurs in 2023 compared to 767 in 2022.

“On Kraftangan Malaysia’s side, we always help in terms of promotions and advisory services, among others to ensure the local batik industry continues to grow,’ he said when met during the 2024 East Coast Craft Festival walkabout session at Mesra Mall, Kemaman here today.

Meanwhile, Abdul Halim said the efforts of his team to advance the socioeconomic as
pects of the low-income group and asnaf have shown positive and encouraging development.

According to him, under the Community Skills Development Programme (PPKK), there were a total of 2,916 (new) entrepreneurs from 2020 to April 30, this year.

He said an allocation of RM1.2 million is provided yearly for the community development programme, excluding promotional and other expenses.

‘This community of entrepreneurs are new enterpreneurs developed after the COVID-19 pandemic. After the pandemic, many are without jobs so we have taken this initiative to help by training new entrepreneurs,’ he said.

“But we ensure that the handicrafts they produce are those that are necessary, and not just decorations and ornaments.’

A total 57 handicraft entrepreneurs from around the country are participating in the festival, held from May 22 to June 3, with an estimated sales value of RM2.4 million.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR: Sunway Pyramid is inviting Disney fans and shoppers in Malaysia to join their ‘island party’ in celebration of Donald Duck’s 90th birthday.

In a statement today, Sunway Pyramid announced that fans can enjoy pop-ups featuring themed zones and displays starring not only the Walt Disney’s famous cartoon character, but also his girlfriend Daisy Duck, nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie, his uncle Scrooge McDuck, his pal Mickey Mouse, and other familiar faces.

‘The pop-up will be at Sunway Pyramid from May 22 to June 9. With special merchandise and activities, the celebration promises to be a joyous occasion for Disney fans and families alike,’ said the statement.

One of the featured attractions is the S.S. Miss Daisy Boat, offering shoppers of all ages the perfect photo opportunity with a giant Donald Duck centerpiece.

Additionally, Friendship Island invites visitors to enjoy Mickey and Friends-inspired vibes and games such as Quack-a-Dart and Test-Your-Toss, and a chance to bring home rewards by dow
nloading the Sunway Malls App.

Make a stop at Family Island, where kids aged three to 12 can dive into Scrooge McDuck’s Money Bin ball pit or catch some of Donald’s greatest hits on TV.

Shoppers will rejoice at the All Things Donald zone featuring special merchandise and gifts to mark the occasion.

‘Bring home collectibles including our swell selection of clothing, stationery, bags, toys, homeware and more. Sign up to be a Sunway Super App member to enjoy exclusive marked down deals and earn up to 2x Sunway Points for your purchases.

‘Spend RM800 and above in two receipts to redeem a limited-edition Donald’s 90th Birthday Tote Bag (terms and conditions apply),’ it said.

Fans will also have the chance to meet and greet Donald and Daisy Duck from June 7 (Friday) to June 9 (Sunday). Additionally, children born in June can celebrate their birthday month with the famous ducks on June 9.

For more information and updates, please visit https://www.sunwaycarnival.com/ and https://www.sunwaypyramid.com/ or follow
Sunway Pyramid and Sunway Carnival Mall on social media.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

SUNGAI BULOH (Selangor), Every organisation in the country is urged to offer former prisoners a second chance to reintegrate into the workforce with the goal to prevent recidivism.

Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk R. Ramanan, who is also the Member of Parliament for Sungai Buloh, said the reincarceration of some former inmates is often attributed to society’s reluctance to extend them a second chance, a situation that he deemed unacceptable.

‘The data indicates that around 17.6 per cent of ex-convicts return to prison because of limited job prospects or income stemming from societal and employer bias against their status as former inmates.

‘They are frequently perceived as individuals stuck in a cycle of misconduct or destined to revert to criminal behavior without the chance to reform.

‘As such, partnering with NGOs like the Malaysia Needy Association offers ex-inmates job opportunities matching their skills, aiming to deter relapses,” he told a press conference at the Bar
bering Course Certificate Presentation Ceremony held at Sungai Buloh Prison, here today.

At the event,18 inmates from Sungai Buloh Prison received certificates for completing a barbering workshop which started last year.

‘Ten pioneers started training in 46 sessions from June last year, with an additional eight joining since April this year. The workshop covered theoretical and practical aspects of barbering,” he said.

The barbering workshop, organised by the Prison Department in partnership with the Malaysian Needy Association, received sponsorship from the All Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia for Sustainable Development Goals (APPGM-SDG).

Ramanan urged other NGOs to initiate programmes enhancing inmates’ soft skills for their societal reintegration, emphasising that workshops like barbering courses foster responsibility and discipline, contributing to inmates’ well-being and reducing recidivism.

‘This holistic approach provides vocational training while instilling positive values, improving employabi
lity and fostering behavioral changes within the community,’ he said.

Also present were Deputy Commissioner of Prisons (DCP) Tey Hock Soon overseeing the Vocational and Industrial Section of the Prison Management Section, DCP Aminon Adnan, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Prisons director, DCP Nik Robidin Ab Rahman, Sungai Buloh Prison director and K Prakash, Malaysian Needy Association chairman.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency