Deputy Minister assures welfare of media practitioners taken care of during Sukma XXI

KUCHING (Aug 7): The Sarawak government is dedicated to ensuring that media practitioners are well-supported and comfortable during their coverage of the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma XXI) hosted by Sarawak this year, said Datuk Abdullah Saidol.

According to the Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Office (Corporate Affairs, Information and Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas)), it is the state government’s commitment to safeguard the welfare of media practitioners throughout the event.

“We have held several meetings with various agencies and we will also ensure all necessary matters, especially infrastructure facilities, are provided.

“There are challenges because media centres are situated at nine locations, unlike typical Sukma events, as the activities are held at nine rather distant locations throughout Sarawak.

“We are aware of the logistical challenges and aim to ensure that the advice of the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, is adhered to, particularly in ensuring good internet reception,” he told reporters after attending the launch of Pickleball League at the MUSCS Pickleball Arena here today.

Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63, and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali was also present.

Abdullah was asked how the state government will assist media practitioners during the games, to which he said his team had received feedback from media practitioners regarding the challenges they might face during the coverage, including logistical issues.

He, nevertheless, assured that he would address these matters with the Sukma Supreme Council while Ukas, the unit under him, only manages the media centres.

“Should the situation become critical, we may need to bring the matter up to the Supreme Council,” he said.

Abdullah also expressed his hope that media practitioners from outside Sarawak would focus on covering the sporting events and share the unique qualities of Sarawak.