CYBERJAYA – The National Press Club (NPC) is urging the government to engage professional bodies and unions that represent journalists so that the Covid-19 vaccinations for the fraternity can run smoothly.
Its president, Datuk Ahirudin Attan, said it is imperative for Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin to do so as journalists are also frontliners.
“We will not jump queue but we, too, should be given priority,” said Ahirudin, widely known as Rocky Bru.
“Khairy has been great and transparent over the immunisation exercises but I do hope he talks to us or even the NUJ (National Union of Journalist) to make things easier.
“The government has already categorised media members as frontliners. This shows the significant role played by the press in the fight to flatten the infection curve,” he said.
He was speaking at a press conference at the Pop Meals restaurant chain’s outlet in D’Pulze Shopping Centre here today. The event was held to announce a collaboration between Pop Meals and the NPC to replenish the latter’s Journalist Welfare Fund (JWF).
Malaysia is currently in its first phase of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NCIP), which began last month.
A total of 500,000 frontliners, comprising mainly public and private healthcare workers along with defence and security personnel, will be vaccinated in this phase.
As it is, journalists are among those expected to be vaccinated in the second phase of the NCIP, which will involve 9.4 million individuals from essential services, as well as remaining healthcare workers, senior citizens over the age of 60 and other high-risk groups.
The second phase is expected to run from April to August.
Meanwhile, Pop Meals has donated RM5,000 to the JWF to help media members affected by the pandemic.
Pop Meals communications manager Nurul Jamaludin said through the initiative, the company wishes to acknowledge the contributions of journalists who are continuing to perform their duties to provide credible coverage despite heightened risks.
“We will also generate 1,000 unique Pop Meals promo codes for the NPC to distribute to its members and well-wishers.
“For consumers, you can enjoy any Pop Meals dish using the promo code and get a metal cutlery set delivered to you for free,” added Nurul.
So far, the NPC has disbursed RM168,500 to 138 members and media personnel in the form of medical support and cash assistance for veteran and retired journalists, as well as their next of kin.
Last year, Petra Group and Hong Leong Bank were the two outfits that donated money to the JWF to help member of the press.
Those who want the promo code can contact the NPC via WhatsApp at 019-245 8073.
Those wishing to donate to JWF can do so through bank transfer to The National Press Club Malaysia (1992) Ambank Islamic account number: 023-202200219-3, stating it is for the JWF. – The Vibes, March 9, 2021
