MIRI: Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (NSJA) has received a pat on the back from Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian for increasing its yearly health screening incentive for members from RM100 to RM200.
“This shows the association’s concern for its members and I hope the other associations will emulate NSJA’s move for the benefit of their members,” he said in his speech during the NSJA Installation of Office Bearers 2019-2020 cum CNY Gathering and Members’ Children Education Incentive Giving Ceremony on Friday night at a leading hotel here.
Sim’s text of speech was read by Tourism, Arts and Culture Assistant Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin who represented the minister at the event.
Sim also reminded media practitioners to be professional and responsible by reporting news in a balanced, truthful, fair and transparent manner.
He advised them to adhere to their Code of Ethics, noting that in the present digital era, the way information was produced and received had changed.
“Now with new digital era, most mainstream media are struggling to stay relevant in delivering accurate and valid information to readers…people nowadays want to get frontline information, and the social media provides this platform that creates many “journalists” everywhere, posting anything every minute,” added Sim.
He said the social media allowed the public to voice their views and exchange views not just among friends but with people around the world.
“However, only a handful will check the authenticity of the information, thus generating the prevalence of false news.
“That irresponsible action will damage understanding of complex issues and often causes incorrect information. Defamatory or provocative statements should not be spread because they are capable of undermining unity.
“We want all the news to be accurate not only in the print and electronic media but also in social media,” stressed Sim.
Sim praise NSJA’s efforts in safeguard the heath of its members, the association has raise its health screening incentives to members from two years with RM100 up to RM200 –one a year.
“Their associations are concerned with members, this can be a good example to other associations, for the benefit of their members,” he said.
Also present were Miri Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Michael Teo, Sibuti MP LukanisamanAwangSauni, Senator Alan Ling, Miri Mayor Adam Yii, Pujut Assemblyman Dr Ting TiongChoon and Piasau Assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting.
