PUTRAJAYA: A total of 157 personnel from departments and agencies under the Communications and Digital Ministry today received certificates of appreciation for their commitment and contribution in channelling the latest information about the tragic landslide incident in Batang Kali last month.

The certificates were presented by Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil to the recipients from the Information Department (JaPen), Department of Broadcasting Malaysia (RTM), Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas), Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and telecommunications companies at the ministry's monthly gathering here.

Bernama photographer, Muhammad Izzuddin Abd Razak said the award encouraged him to perform his duties better, adding that the assignment was challenging and risky but he did it to inform the public of the scale of the incident.

His colleague, Zulfadhli Zulkifli said each photo taken at the location was carefully curated to safeguard the sensitivity of the victims' families.

Meanwhile, Bernama crime reporter, Muhammad Afiq Mohd Asri said the recognition made all their hard work and efforts to inform the public about the rescue operations that went on for 10 days worthwhile.

"Regardless of the harh weather while on duty, media practitioners were eager to serve to channel important information and accurate news to the community. The appreciation by the Minister and the ministry will boost our spirits to continue to channel news to the public," he said.

RTM's broadcast journalist, Nursyamimi Syahira Saripan and Selangor JaPen public relations officer, Nurul Wardina Abdullah who also received certificates of appreciation, echoed similar sentiments.

"We feel appreciated and the exhaustion all disappeared when we are appreciated. JaPen's job is to facilitate the media to get accurate and correct information. After more than a month we are happy to see our friends again today (Jan 31), " said Nurul Wardina.

In the tragedy that happened on Dec 16 tragedy at Father's Organic Farm, 92 victims were involved of which 31 of them lost their lives. - Bernama

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/01/875296/ministry-recognises-157-personnel-their-commitment-during-batang-kali