Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor on Monday emphasised the media’s critical role in Sabah’s development and administration.
Speaking at the Chief Minister’s Aidilfitri gathering with the media, he urged practitioners to continue supporting the government’s efforts for the people through responsible reporting.
As a gesture of appreciation, Hajiji announced that the State Government’s contribution to the annual Kinabalu Press Awards has been increased from RM60, 000 to RM100,000 since 2022.
This higher sum would also be contributed to this year’s awards.
“The increased contribution recognises the media as an important partner in disseminating the State’s policies and development,” he said, adding the reports serve as a vital source of information for the government to understand ground sentiments and public grievances.
Hajiji presented a mock cheque for RM100,000 to Datuk Muguntan Vanar, President of the Sabah Journalists Association.
He also called on the mainstream media to counter misinformation on social media.
Over 250 media practitioners including bureau chiefs and editors attended the annual gathering, which serves as an appreciation for their coverage of State Government programmes across various platforms.
