KOTA KINABALU, SABAH, MALAYSIA – Oct 16, 2025 – Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil yesterday presented aid from the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund to Salamat Tambanan, a 66-year-old part-time journalist with Asia Times Pulse, who lost his home in a recent landslide in Kampung Sarapung, Penampang. This marks Salamat as the 31st recipient in Sabah, having served the publication since 1979.
The Ministry of Communications continues to demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of media practitioners by channeling assistance through the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA initiative, specifically targeting journalists impacted by the landslides in Sabah. The financial and essential goods support aims to alleviate the hardships faced by recipients while serving as a token of appreciation for their contributions to journalism.
Launched in conjunction with National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2023, the initiative—implemented by the Ministry via the National News Agency (BERNAMA)—has aided 533 media practitioners across the country.
Joining the minister were Ministry Secretary General Dato’ Seri Mohamad Fauzi bin Md Isa and BERNAMA Editor-in-Chief cum HAWANA 2025 Project Director Encik Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.
The gesture underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to support frontline media workers amid natural disasters, ensuring they can continue their vital role in informing the public during challenging times.
For more details on the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA program, visit the official HAWANA 2025 Secretariat portal.
