KUALA LUMPUR – To give Malaysians another trustable news source, Petra News will launch Getaran.my, a Malay-language portal, this afternoon.
The virtual launch can be viewed at www.getaran.my, to go live later.
Getaran is Petra News’ second title in the organisation’s push for social journalism, alongside sister portal The Vibes, which was launched on September 19 last year.
With the tagline “Gema Berita dan Hiburan” (Echoing News and Entertainment), Getaran aims to provide balanced news and entertainment content.
Managing editor Mohd Zulkifli A. Jalil said Getaran’s new content will focus on human interest stories and matters that affect the community, adding that the flavour of its content will be optimistic and positive.
“We hope to cover the challenges people face, and also provide content that will inspire and create optimism.”
He emphasised that to ensure Getaran’s news content is relevant, his team will be mindful of the “pulse of the people”, to distinguish the portal from others.
“We must have faith in ourselves and stay vigilant to make sure that we are focused on our objectivity,” said Zulkifli, better known as M. Zul.
Getaran also has an interesting line-up of columnists, including Wirda Adnan, Eddin Khoo, Roslen Fadzil and Ad Samad.
Petra News executive director Datuk Ahiruddin Attan, also known as Rocky, said just like The Vibes, Getaran will push news reporting that gives a voice to the downtrodden and exposes wrongdoings.
“It will be a Malay portal that touches on national issues, which also cover other communities,” he said, adding that the portal will feature many non-Malay writers and contributors.
Meanwhile, Petra News editor-in-chief Terence Fernandez said both The Vibes and Getaran give opportunities to journalists who lost their jobs due to the economic crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Petra News also ensures that employees are made up of multiracial individuals to cultivate the spirit of nationalism. I am proud that we were able to achieve that with The Vibes, and now, with Getaran.”
Not just fluff entertainment
Of course, as the tagline indicates, it is not all news with Getaran, as the portal will also provide entertainment content with a twist.
While other outlets may be focused on entertainment stories that are sensational, Zulkifli highlighted that the entertainment industry is one of the hardest hit by the pandemic.
“Live gigs and concerts are practically non-existent due to the pandemic. Plus, it isn’t only the entertainers who are affected by this; those working behind the scenes have also had their incomes affected.”
It does not end there, as Getaran will have a sub-column called “Indie” under its arts and entertainment section to promote the independent entertainment scene.
Getaran will also provide various forms of content in addition to articles, including videos covering food and cooking, fitness, automotive and tech.
On the weekends, said Zulkifli, Getaran will feature a lifestyle digital pull-out called “Tara”, where readers can access various columns on culture, travel and food.
Zulkifli started his career in legal practice, and served as a magistrate judge before pursuing his passion for creative writing.
He worked at Men’s Review magazine before serving as an editor at FHM Malaysia, and then holding the same position at the Malay Mail. He also joined the Media Prima Group, where he pioneered its new media initiative with the launch of gua.com.my and tonton.com.my, both online streaming portals. Zulkifli served as senior vice-president of content at ABN Xcess as well.
“I could not be prouder to be leading a team of excellent newsmen and women at Getaran. These are challenging times, and we hope to be a beacon of hope in the media landscape by reporting the news right down the middle, without fear or favour.
“Whether it is politics or entertainment, we must remain current and fresh, and that is exactly what Getaran aims to be.”
Virtual launch with tech goodies up for grabs
Getaran’s virtual launch at 3.30pm today will be streamed live on YouTube, featuring entertainers Vince Chong, Kaka Azraff and Datuk Zainal Abidin.
Viewers will get the chance to win prizes, which include three iPhone 12, two Oppo A53 phones, and shopping vouchers worth RM750.
Not Petra’s first social initiative
Rocky said Getaran is not the first social initiative by the Petra Group, especially given that chairman Datuk Dr Vinod Sekhar is known for his social initiatives.
“This is consistent with the Petra Group’s activism, which includes and helps those affected by the pandemic as we did in Ranau, as well as the Vanilla Initiative.”
He was referring to a programme to provide assistance to farmers in Ranau, Sabah, with the provision of capital to upgrade their equipment and increase their production capacity.
The Vanilla Initiative, meanwhile, is a 15-year plan to boost the nation’s economy by exploring vanilla, the second-most-lucrative spice in the world, as a crop that would benefit farmers.
Vinod said he hopes Petra News will lead the way in raising the bar for good journalism.
“The media should work for the people, and be the sounding board for the rakyat’s hopes, fears and grievances.
“Especially now, when the country is facing unprecedented challenges and uncertainties, we need media that works for the people. One that is unafraid of asking the tough questions, and calling out hypocrisy and wrongdoings.”
He added that the Petra Group, through its media arm Petra News, will continue to support and develop the nation’s media landscape, which has been far betrothed to politicians and special interest groups. – The Vibes, January 29, 2021
