(Kuching, 15th) The Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) will consider setting up a media clubhouse in Kuching, to serve as a gathering center, exchange platform, and leisure space for journalists and media practitioners.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information & UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, stated that this idea originated from his interactions with several media representatives, from which he understood their need for a dedicated space to relax and interact during non-working hours.
In his speech last night at the state-level celebration of National Journalists Day (HAWANA) in Sarawak and the appreciation dinner for the 2025 Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC), he said that this proposal could be realized through cooperation between the Sarawak government, government-linked companies, and the private sector.
"I fully support this idea. Journalists work almost 24 hours a day, with very few fixed holidays. Sometimes, after completing assignments, they don’t even have time to go home. Therefore, a media clubhouse can be a place for them to gather, exchange ideas, and rest," he said.
He added that the media clubhouse could be equipped with a mini café, bathrooms, meeting rooms, a light exercise area, and a relaxation zone, so that media personnel can relax comfortably during their limited break time while maintaining close connections with each other.
Abdullah added that UKAS and the Sarawak Journalists Association are also further discussing the implementation of sending media personnel in the state for professional training to further enhance their skills.
In addition, there are discussions to launch special welfare schemes for media personnel, including insurance coverage, housing loan facilities, medical aid, and other suitable assistance to help reduce the financial burden on journalists and their families.
"We hope that by the end of this year, we’ll be able to bring some good news to our media friends," he said.
At the same time, he announced that UKAS staff and journalists will launch a volunteer activity on August 24th to clean up Kuching Heroes’ Square (Dataran Pahlawan) in conjunction with National Month celebrations and to pay tribute to national heroes.
"This activity is the Sarawak media’s way of supporting and thanking our national heroes and freedom fighters. We are truly grateful for their struggles and sacrifices, which have enabled us to enjoy a peaceful and prosperous life today in the Land of the Hornbill and Malaysia," he said.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information & UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, stated that this idea originated from his interactions with several media representatives, from which he understood their need for a dedicated space to relax and interact during non-working hours.
In his speech last night at the state-level celebration of National Journalists Day (HAWANA) in Sarawak and the appreciation dinner for the 2025 Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC), he said that this proposal could be realized through cooperation between the Sarawak government, government-linked companies, and the private sector.
"I fully support this idea. Journalists work almost 24 hours a day, with very few fixed holidays. Sometimes, after completing assignments, they don’t even have time to go home. Therefore, a media clubhouse can be a place for them to gather, exchange ideas, and rest," he said.
He added that the media clubhouse could be equipped with a mini café, bathrooms, meeting rooms, a light exercise area, and a relaxation zone, so that media personnel can relax comfortably during their limited break time while maintaining close connections with each other.
Abdullah added that UKAS and the Sarawak Journalists Association are also further discussing the implementation of sending media personnel in the state for professional training to further enhance their skills.
In addition, there are discussions to launch special welfare schemes for media personnel, including insurance coverage, housing loan facilities, medical aid, and other suitable assistance to help reduce the financial burden on journalists and their families.
"We hope that by the end of this year, we’ll be able to bring some good news to our media friends," he said.
At the same time, he announced that UKAS staff and journalists will launch a volunteer activity on August 24th to clean up Kuching Heroes’ Square (Dataran Pahlawan) in conjunction with National Month celebrations and to pay tribute to national heroes.
"This activity is the Sarawak media’s way of supporting and thanking our national heroes and freedom fighters. We are truly grateful for their struggles and sacrifices, which have enabled us to enjoy a peaceful and prosperous life today in the Land of the Hornbill and Malaysia," he said.