KEPALA BATAS, April 25 — Tabung Kasih@HAWANA, introduced in April 2023, has benefited 727 media practitioners nationwide, particularly those affected by health issues and in need of welfare support.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said that over the period, a total of RM2.2 million has been disbursed, stressing that the initiative reflects the MADANI Government’s continued commitment to safeguarding the welfare of the media community, especially those in need.
“Today marks the 727th contribution we have delivered since April 2023, with total spending of about RM2.2 million. This demonstrates our ongoing commitment to supporting the welfare of media practitioners across the country.
“We also take into account the well-being of media personnel, regardless of which organisation they serve, as their role and responsibility involve reporting on the ground, where situations such as accidents and other incidents may affect them,” he told reporters here today.
He said this after presenting Tabung Kasih@HAWANA assistance to Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) staff member Razif Saidin, 44, who is suffering from chronic nerve complications following a motorcycle accident in 2023 and requires ongoing physiotherapy and medication, at his residence in Penaga here.
Also present were Communications Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah and Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.
Fahmi also presented a laptop to Razif’s daughter, Nur Insyirah, 18, who obtained excellent results of 9As in the 2025 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.
Elaborating further, Fahmi said his ministry will continue to assess the need for additional treatment for Razif, including the possibility of alternative treatments such as acupuncture, in addition to existing medical care.
He said Razif has served as an assistant engineer with RTM for 21 years, and is currently undergoing continuous physiotherapy while requiring medication to manage his condition.
“At this point, I would suggest that Razif, in addition to continuing physiotherapy and existing medical treatment, consider exploring acupuncture. He informed me that there is a treatment centre in Kepala Batas.
“He said he will try it in the near future… so we will then have some information on what assistance can be provided if he finds it suitable for his needs, and we will get in touch again with Razif’s family to see what additional support can be extended,” he said.
Fahmi added that he would also look into suitable forms of assistance to support the needs of the staff member’s daughter in pursuing higher education.
Meanwhile, Razif said he suffered nerve damage at the C4 section of his neck following the accident, which occurred while he was on his way home from work, and had taken medical leave before eventually returning to duty.
He said that although he has resumed work, he continues to undergo treatment, including rehabilitation, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and monitoring by a neurosurgeon at a government hospital.
“The treatment involves a neurosurgeon at a government hospital, along with rehabilitation and physiotherapy sessions at Kepala Batas Hospital. I will also try acupuncture treatment in Kepala Batas,” said the father of two.
He also expressed his appreciation to Fahmi, the HAWANA Secretariat and all parties for the assistance extended to him.
Launched in conjunction with the celebration of National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2023, the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA is an initiative by the Ministry of Communications, with Bernama as the implementing agency.
