Ukas, Bernama team up to boost media readiness for SEA Games 2027, Sarawak election coverage

Abdullah (seated, second right) during a photo call when receiving Bernama delegation led by Nur-ul Afida (seated, second left) at Ukas Office in Baitulmakmur Building 1 at Petra Jaya on May 5, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, May 5: The Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) is prepared to strengthen collaboration with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), particularly in preparation for the 2027 SEA Games and the upcoming Sarawak election.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Ukas) Datuk Abdullah Saidol said the strategic partnership is crucial to ensure more effective information dissemination and to enhance the readiness of media personnel in Sarawak.

He said Bernama’s extensive experience as the national news agency could be fully leveraged through knowledge sharing, training sessions, and workshops for journalists, especially in covering major-scale events such as the SEA Games.

“More so as we are approaching the SEA Games. We acknowledge that although UKAS has experience managing media during SUKMA, the SEA Games presents a different level of complexity and scale.

“Hence, we greatly appreciate Bernama’s initiative to conduct experience-sharing programmes and knowledge transfer sessions to ensure Ukas personnel are well prepared when the SEA Games takes place,” he said when met by reporters after a courtesy visit by Bernama at the Baitulmakmur Building 1 in Petra Jaya today.

Abdullah added that the collaboration would extend beyond sports coverage, encompassing preparations for elections as well as other future programmes.

He noted that information sharing between both agencies is especially important given Sarawak’s vast geographical size, which can pose logistical challenges for journalists covering events on short notice.

He also expressed confidence that Bernama’s vast experience in managing major sporting events in Kuala Lumpur and other locations would benefit Ukas in ensuring more efficient and comprehensive news coverage.

“Journalists can participate in courses, training, and workshops together with media partners in Sarawak, not limited to Ukas, to better understand the workflows and reporting approaches during the SEA Games in Sarawak,” he said.

Apart from Bernama, Ukas will also work with larger media organisations such as RTM and other agencies in managing media centres and accommodating visiting journalists. This includes logistical arrangements such as accommodation, workspace facilities, internet connectivity, transportation, dining arrangements, and other essential needs.

He added that these aspects must be learned from experienced agencies that have previously managed large-scale sporting events.

Also present were Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, chief editor Arul Rajoo Durar Raj and Bernama Sarawak Bureau chief Ammar Syafiq Hamzah. — DayakDaily