Kota Kinabalu: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) via its MACC Caring Foundation donated food baskets to media practitioners, especially journalists whom are affected following the Covid-19 pandemic.
MACC Sabah Sirector S. Karunanithy said the media often helped MACC in disseminating messages on prevention of corruption.
He said the contributions is a sign of appreciation for the cooperation and assistance of the media to the Sabah MACC all this while.
“We realise that many media agencies are facing difficulties due to the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
“There are some media practitioners who were laid off due to the closure of media organisations as well as some facing salary cuts.
“Therefore, the donation of the food baskets is part of the MACC Caring Foundation’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme in helping the needy, especially during the pandemic,” he said.
Karuna said this after presenting food baskets to Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) here, Saturday.
He said MACC also provided assistance to selected affected families at the branch level including Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Tawau, and Keningau.
Karuna said the MACC always cooperates closely with the media, especially SJA and the Kota Kinabalu Journalists Association (KKJA).
“We need to build a close relationship with them to ensure that the anti-corruption objective is continued.
“Last year, we should have planned to hold an appreciation programme for the media. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the programme could not be continued.
“Through the presentation of this food baskets contribution, at least the Sabah MACC can implement a programme involving the media,” he said.
Meanwhile, SJA President Datuk Muguntan Vanar said, on behalf of SJA, such contributions are greatly appreciated, especially to fellow journalists affected by Covid-19.
According to him, a large number of journalists had to “tie their stomachs” because the company had to reduce costs including layoffs or salary cuts due to reduced income and reduced printing of newspapers.
“The problems facing the media nowadays have occurred over the past few years due to various challenges that have arisen, especially from social media platforms.
“The spread of the Covid-19 pandemic also pose a detrimental effect on the mainstream media that are doing their best to restructure the business model to suit new media challenges,” Mugu said.
In this regard, he said he is very grateful for the efforts made by the MACC which considered the media practitioners as part of the MACC CSR programme.
A total of 22 representatives from SJA and KKJA received donations from the MACC Caring Foundation food basket.
Also present were Sabah MACC Deputy Director (Prevention), Awang Samsul Baharam Bungso, and KKJA Chairman Yong Ted Phen.
