KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 2026– The media must continue to play its role as a source of authentic and accurate information for the people, especially as the world faces economic uncertainty and a global supply crisis, says Communications Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah.
He said the challenges are compounded by the spread of fake news, which has become increasingly easy to disseminate in the digital era.
“In facing current challenges, the world is now dealing with economic uncertainty and a global supply crisis that is also affecting Malaysia, including rising fuel costs and prices of daily necessities.
“In this situation, the role of the media is crucial as a bridge of information that delivers authentic, accurate and responsible news to the people so that they are not easily influenced by fake news that could trigger anxiety,” he said when officiating the closing ceremony of the HAWANA-DBP 2026 Pantun Festival at Kompleks Kraf here today.
Also present were Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chief Executive Officer and National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026 Working Committee chairman, Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and Bernama Deputy Editor-in-Chief (News Service) and HAWANA 2026 project director, Mohd Shukri Ishak.
Also in attendance were Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Promotion and Recognition Division head Roziah Md Yunus, who is carrying out the duties of Language and Literature Development Department director, and Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation Industry Development Division senior director Azran Arip.
Meanwhile, on the HAWANA-DBP 2026 Pantun Festival organised by Bernama in collaboration with DBP, Abdul Halim said the pantun heritage continues to thrive as a medium that unites older and younger generations across various customs and cultural traditions of the Malay community.
He said Bernama, as the national news agency, also plays an important role in ensuring that cultural voices are not drowned out by the tide of technology and the explosion of global information.
“Journalists do not merely deliver news, but also serve as witnesses of the times and guardians of the nation’s memory,” he said.
Besides celebrating journalists, Abdul Halim said the pantun festival also elevated the status of the Malay language as a language of knowledge, communication and unity, while proving that the journalism profession also plays a role in preserving cultural heritage in shaping a knowledgeable, ethical and articulate society.
“May this programme continue to invigorate the use of the Malay language in the media industry, while encouraging young journalists to better appreciate and cherish the nation’s cultural heritage.
“The government will always support efforts to uphold the national language while strengthening the media industry to ensure it continues to grow sustainably and competitively,” he said.
The HAWANA-DBP 2026 Pantun Festival was the second event following the HAWANA Media Forum on Thursday, and forms part of the lead-up programmes to the climax of HAWANA 2026, which will be held in Penang on June 20 under the theme “Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility”.
HAWANA, organised by the Communications Ministry with Bernama as the implementing agency, serves as the pinnacle platform to recognise the contributions, dedication and professionalism of media practitioners in Malaysia.
— BERNAMA
