PM Malaysia Attends Hawana 2026, Extends Media Assistance

Penang, Malaysia (ANTARA) - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attended the peak celebration of National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) 2026 in Penang, Malaysia, on Saturday (20/6). Anwar still attended the celebration of the Malaysian press despite having only arrived hours earlier from a visit to Russia and Turkmenistan. “This morning, at 3.30 a.m., I arrived from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Previously in Kazan, Russia, for a summit meeting between ASEAN leaders,” he said. At the event, Anwar announced that his government would continue the allocation of the Media Innovation Fund to help Malaysian media organisations implement innovation and strengthen the digital transformation of the media industry. According to him, 72 media companies have received funding totalling RM24.57 million (approximately Rp97.67 billion) through Phase 1 to Phase 5 of the Media Innovation Fund. Additionally, 773 media practitioners across Malaysia have received assistance totalling RM2.26 million (approximately Rp8.26 billion). Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the Media Innovation Fund covers four main scopes: training for media workers; software and technology adaptation; equipment, hardware, and supporting facilities; and research and content development. The programme also focuses on the study of innovative content development, including the utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies. The peak celebration of Hawana 2026 was also attended by the Chief Minister of Penang, the Malaysian Communications Minister, media leaders from across Malaysia, and several ASEAN media representatives, including from Indonesia, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste. The Indonesian delegation in attendance included the President of the Malaysia-Indonesia Journalists Friendship Association (ISWAMI) Indonesia, Asro Kamal Rokan, as well as several prominent media leaders and practitioners in Indonesia.