KUALA LUMPUR: The media must continue to support the government’s efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s social protection system, said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.
He said the media plays a vital role in shaping public understanding and awareness of government initiatives aimed at safeguarding the welfare of Malaysians.
Sim said continued media coverage would help the public appreciate and benefit from the work carried out by the ministry and the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) in enhancing the nation’s social safety net and ensuring that no one is left behind.
“Media reports on Perkeso’s efforts can underscore the importance of the social safety net, especially in addressing the effects of demographic changes and bridging gaps in Malaysia’s informal sector.
“In this context, social justice through LINDUNG Kendiri and LINDUNG Kasih is fundamental, but it requires greater awareness among the community.
“Our ultimate goal is to ensure that no citizen is left out of the country’s social protection system,” he said in his speech at the Perkeso Media Awards 2025: iLINDUNGu held today.
Present at the event were Perkeso chairman Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal and group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed.
Representing Media Prima Bhd were Media Prima OMNiA and Direct Solutions chief operating officer Datuk Mohd Efendi Omar, Media Prima News and Current Affairs group managing editor Jasbant Singh, and his deputy Farrah Naz Abd Karim, who is also New Straits Times group editor, as well as deputy group editor Sharanjit Singh.
Meanwhile, Sim said the Perkeso Media Awards focused on promoting social justice for the informal sector and highlighting the role of rehabilitation as a catalyst for socio-economic resilience.
The second edition of the awards, which recognises the contributions of the media, also highlighted reports on the expansion of Perkeso’s functions through health screening programmes, particularly to curb the rise of non-communicable diseases.
This year, a total of 115 entries were received from various media platforms, judged across seven categories — Best TV Report, Best Radio Report, Best Podcast, Best Print Media Report, Best News Portal Report, Best Digital Media Report and Best Photography Report.
Mohd Alhafiz Ithnin from Harian Metro won first place in the Best Print Media Report category, while Mohd Aizuddin Akmal Saad from the New Straits Times Press received the consolation prize for Best Photography Report.
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