15/06/2025

NATIONAL 2 ON SUNDAY JUNE 15, 2025

RM30m allocation for journalists, media firms

Defer travel to Iran, Iraq and Jordan: Foreign Ministry

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to defer non-essential travel to Iran, Iraq and Jordan amid tensions between Iran and Israel. The Foreign Ministry said it is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East through the Malaysian Embassy in Tehran as well as its embassies in Baghdad and Amman following the recent tensions between Iran and Israel. The ministry said in a statement that Iran, Iraq and Jordan have closed their airspaces. “Malaysians in the region are advised to anticipate potential disruptions to flight schedules and make the necessary adjustments to their travel plans. “Non-essential travel to these areas should be deferred, given the unpredictable nature of the conflict.” The Foreign Ministry also strongly advised Malaysians in Iran, particularly those in the proximity of the affected areas, to remain vigilant, stay informed of the latest developments and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, Bernama reported.. “All Malaysians residing in or travelling to Iran are urged to update their contact details with the Malaysian Embassy in Tehran.” Malaysians requiring assistance in the event of an emergency can contact the nearest Malaysian embassy. Embassy of Malaysia in Tehran, Iran: No. 25, 2nd Alley, North Zarafshan St, Shahrak-e-Gharb. Telephone: +98 21 8807 2444/+98 21 8807 8606/+98 933 535 2602 or email: mwtehran@kln.gov.my / mwconsular.teh@gmail.com. Embassy of Malaysia in Baghdad, Iraq: Mezzanine Floor, Babylon Rotana Hotel, Al Abassi Street, Al Jadria, Baghdad, Iraq. Telephone: +964 787 859 8775 /+964 786 497 0087 or email: mwbaghdad@kln.gov.my. Embassy of Malaysia in Amman, Jordan: No. 5, Hassan Al Kayed Street, Off Abai Street, Abdoun, Amman 11183, Jordan. Telephone: +962 6590 2400/+962 78590 2400 or email: mwamman@kln.gov.my.

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

economic and labour planning agencies, public and private TVET institutions, digitalisation experts and community stakeholders. His view was echoed by Vocational Training Officers Association president Sarudin Rohseli, who said skills training would remain relevant and effective only if the commission includes individuals actively involved in the field. “The membership should consist of at least 10 to 20 individuals directly engaged in skills training. We don’t need many professors or certified engineers as they often approach the matter from an academic perspective.” the mechanism through which media organisations can apply for this funding. “This fund could also help media organisations to explore new platforms, audiences and formats in achieving long-term sustainability. We hope this fund will contribute meaningfully to the digital transformation of Malaysia’s media landscape.” Fahmi also highlighted the gazetting of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC), which came into effect yesterday. “We believe this is one of the most significant and meaningful reforms for media practitioners. “With the establishment of the MMC, long-standing concerns and aspirations of media professionals now have a legitimate platform. The MMC will operate independently, regardless of which party forms the government.” Fahmi said he would be inviting the 12 appointed founding members for further discussions and to support them in developing the MMC effectively. He added that in efforts to safeguard the welfare of media practitioners in Malaysia, the Communications Ministry through Bernama, has channelled various forms of aid via the Kasih@Hawana Fund, established in April 2023. As of today, 441 media practitioners nationwide have benefited from this initiative, with total contributions exceeding RM1.2 million. “In addition, through collaboration between Bernama and Socso, freelance media practitioners have been provided with social protection under the Self Employment Social Security Scheme.”

Initiative aims to empower industry, particularly young journalists, to adapt to digital transformation and AI, while upholding journalistic integrity, ethics: Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced yesterday an allocation of RM30 million to support journalists and media organisations. He said this marks the largest commitment of its kind in the nation’s history. “This initiative aims to empower the media industry, particularly young journalists, to adapt to digital transformation and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) while upholding journalistic integrity and ethics. “I take responsibility for ensuring we produce better quality journalists. I’ve discussed this with Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who is a strong supporter of the media.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said National Journalists’ Day is a symbol of the government’s recognition of the vital role played by media practitioners in shaping an informed society. He said the RM30 million fund would support media organisations in navigating the ongoing changes, particularly in adapting to the rise of social media and a new generation of readers, namely Generation Z. “The Communications Ministry will soon announce

I agreed to allocate a significant fund to help media organisations and the nation.” He was speaking at the National Journalists’ Day 2025 with the theme “Journalism in a New Era: Balancing AI and Ethics”, held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. Anwar emphasised the importance of embracing new industries and emerging technologies, but stressed that the core values of truth, justice and ethics must not be sidelined in the pursuit of technological progress.

Media staff visiting a photography exhibition held in conjunction with the National Journalists’ Day 2025 celebration in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

‘Proposed commission could strengthen TVET agenda’ KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed establishment of a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Commission is expected to strengthen and broaden the national TVET transformation agenda. policy and coordination platform without legislative authority, the proposed TVET Commission would have the mandate to approve programmes, regulate institutions and ensure quality in line with the national education framework. “It will address the Commission as part of efforts to further strengthen TVET. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Centre for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Enculturation chairman Prof Dr Mohamad Sattar Rasul said the commission would enable more effective monitoring of TVET programmes. effective TVET landscape. Mohamad Sattar said the TVET sector holds strong potential to become a key driver of the national economy while providing broad employment opportunities for future generations. International Islamic University Malaysia principal director (Academic and Internation

Polytechnic and Community College Education Department director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Zahari Ismail said the commission, if realised, could function as an independent and autonomous body, with the authority to formulate policies, set standards and oversee the implementation of TVET programmes nationwide. He said unlike the National TVET Council, which serves as a

fragmentation within the current TVET system, which involves multiple ministries, and enables more consistent collaboration among industry players, institutions and the government.” Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Thursday the government is considering a proposal to establish the TVET

alisation) Prof Dr Amir Akramin Shafie said the proposed commission’s membership should be inclusive, based on merit and expertise and not dominated by any single sector. He said it should comprise representatives from academia, industry, chambers of commerce,

“An authority to oversee TVET implementation is crucial to ensure a more harmonised approach, as many programmes under different ministries currently overlap or compete with one another.” He said its establishment would help create a more structured and