PM Malaysia Attends Hawana 2026, Extends Media Assistance

Penang, Malaysia (ANTARA) - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attended the peak of the 2026 National Press Day (Hawana) celebrations in Penang, Malaysia, on Saturday (20/6).

Anwar attended the celebration for the Malaysian press despite having arrived only a few hours prior from visits to Russia and Turkmenistan.

“This morning, at 03:30, I arrived from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Previously in Kazan, Russia, for the summit between ASEAN leaders,” he said.

During the event, Anwar announced that his government will continue the allocation of the Media Innovation Fund to assist Malaysian media organisations in implementing innovation and strengthening the digital transformation of the media industry.

According to him, 72 media companies have received funding totalling 24.57 million ringgit (approximately Rp97.67 billion) through Stages 1 to 5 of the Media Innovation Fund.

Additionally, 773 media practitioners across Malaysia have received assistance with a total value of 2.26 million ringgit (approximately Rp8.26 billion).

Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that the Media Innovation Fund covers four main scopes: training for media workers; software and technological adaptation; equipment, hardware, and supporting facilities; and research and content development.

The programme also focuses on studies for developing innovative content, including the utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies.

The peak of the Hawana 2026 celebrations was also attended by the Chief Minister of Penang, the Malaysian Communications Minister, media leaders from across Malaysia, and several ASEAN media representatives, including those from Indonesia, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste.

The Indonesian delegation included the President of the Malaysia-Indonesia Journalists Solidarity Association (ISWAMI), Asro Kamal Rokan, along with several prominent media leaders and practitioners from Indonesia.