KUALA LUMPUR, Apr 6 — Veteran broadcast journalist Datuk Karam Singh Walia died at 3.30 am today at his home in Klang.
The news was confirmed by his brother Jasbant Singh, who is also group managing editor (GME) for news and current affairs at Media Prima Berhad.
Born in 1959 in Teluk Intan, Perak, into a family of Punjabi Sikh descent with a background in policing, Karam, 67, began his career as a broadcast journalist with TV3 in 1995 before retiring in 2014 due to health issues.
Widely regarded as one of the country’s most influential environmental journalists, he won the Seri Angkasa Award twice as well as the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) Award for Best Environmental Television Journalist for four consecutive years from 2004 to 2007.
The late journalist was also among media practitioners who benefited from the Tabung Kasih @HAWANA in June 2024.
TV3 assistant editor for news and current affairs Juliana Sharin said Karam’s passing will be deeply felt by colleagues, describing him as a figure who provided great inspiration in journalism.
“Having the opportunity to work in the same ‘Aduan Rakyat’ team was a source of pride for me, and certainly a chance to learn from him. His voice was firm in championing the truth, but today, that voice is gone.
“Karam Singh Walia was not just a journalist. He was a voice for the people and the environment because he did not merely report the news, but changed how we see the world. His passing is deeply felt, but his legacy remains,” she told Bernama.
Meanwhile, TV3 news presenter Nur Jamalina Mohamad Jamali said although she had never worked closely with him, she was very familiar with his approach and contributions throughout his career.
She said Karam was known for his consistent environmental reporting, focusing on issues such as river pollution, illegal dumping and deforestation.
“He was also known for his firm and principled reporting style, bringing attention to issues of public interest clearly and confidently, without fear,” she said.
Nur Jamalina added that Karam maintained a strong presence on the ground by reporting live from affected locations, enhancing the depth and credibility of his reports.
His distinctive delivery made his reports easily recognisable to viewers, including his habit of ending reports with a pantun (rhymed couplet) or with concise, impactful phrases.
“Karam Singh’s contributions helped raise public awareness of environmental issues, and his legacy continues to be felt within the country’s journalism community,” she said.
