MIRI: Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (NSJA) members get a RM200 allowance for health screening this year.
NSJA president Andy Jong Wan Joon said the allowance, which was implemented in 2016 with a maximum payment of RM100 for every two years, had been increased to a maximum of RM200 a year since last year.
“Association members only need to produce the health screening official receipt to NSJA to claim the allowance of up to RM200 each in a single receipt,” he explained.
According to Jong, NSJA members can redeem RM200 from the association using official receipts from any laboratory or medical centre where they undertake their medical check-up.
“As much as we care for our members, the receipt or invoice is vital as proof that you have undertaken your health screening at any centre of your choice.
“The receipt or invoice can be claimed from Jan 1 until Dec 31 this year. Those whose tests cost more than RM200 will have to pay for the extra charges themselves.”
Established in 1974, NSJA has more than 100 members comprising practitioners of the print media representing Malay, English and Chinese newspapers as well as electronic media representatives stationed in Miri in Northern Sarawak.
Jong thanked Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin for giving a contribution of RM10,000 to implement the health screening allowance in this year.
Meanwhile, Lee, reminded all journalists not to take their health for granted.
“A journalist’s work is very stressful — they have odd working hours like us politicians and elected representatives.
“As such, journalists must go for regular medical check-ups or at least once a year to ensure that they are in good health,” he said.
Lee, who is a Senadin assemblyman, presented RM10,000 to NSJA on June 27.
