KUCHING: Media organisations are encouraged to register for the Progressive Wage Policy (PWP) pilot project, says Fahmi Fadzil.

The Communications Minister said he would get in touch with the Human Resources Ministry to find out how many media companies are taking part in the project.

"We are looking at what measures we can take to assist media practitioners, especially in increasing their wages.

"If there are any media companies that have registered, we will look at how to help in suitable ways and get others to be involved in the project," he said.

He told reporters this after attending a media dialogue with the Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA) here on Thursday (Aug 8).

Fahmi said the government had allocated RM50mil for the PWP pilot project, which aims to improve the wage structure of private sector employees.

"We expect that if 1,000 companies register for it, it can assist up to one million workers in Malaysia," he added.

Last month, Human Resources Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad said 362 employers had applied for the PWP pilot project as of July 12.

He said the sectors applying for the project included wholesale and retail trade, motor vehicle and motorcycle repair, professional scientific and technical activities, manufacturing, construction and information and communication.

The initiative is aimed at increasing the wages of employees earning between RM1,500 and RM4,999.

Meanwhile, Fahmi also said KDJA can assist national news organisation Bernama to manage Tabung Kasih@Hawana, which provides financial assistance to current and former journalists in need.

"We want to ensure that media practitioners who are facing various difficulties, such as ill health or loss of employment, will receive immediate assistance," he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/08/media-organisations-should-register-for-progressive-wave-policy-project-says-fahmi