KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 — Media Selangor Sdn Bhd has another achievement under its belt, with two wins at the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Media Awards last night.
The event, held at M Resort & Hotel here, recognised reporters Mohamad Fitri Hazim Hazam, 36, and Suhaila Shahrul Annuar, 37, who each won in different categories for their impactful coverage and writing.
Fitri Hazim won the Best Digital Media Special Report Award with his article on the PJ Eco Recycling Plaza, which centred Petaling Jaya’s environmental sustainability initiatives.
“Although MBPJ has various initiatives for the community, coverage of those efforts must still be strengthened so they have a wider, quicker, and more effective reach to the people at various stages.
“Cooperation between the media, the state government, and local authorities, including (state executive councillors), is very important to make sure (information on) each initiative can be effectively delivered to the people,” he told Media Selangor.
Suhaila, who won the Best Bahasa Melayu Article Award with her article on upgrades to Pasar Jalan Othman, said this recognition is a boost for media practitioners to keep up quality reporting.
“The media not only has a role as a deliverer of information, but is the people’s eyes and ears and an important mediator between communities and local authorities in (reporting) issues, developments, and current information to the people.
“When our writing is appreciated, it motivates us to keep reporting more impactful, quality news that is beneficial to the entire community,” she said.
Fitri Hazim took home RM2,000 cash while Suhaila won RM1,000, with both receiving trophies and certificates presented by Petaling Jaya Mayor Dato’ Mohamad Zahri Samingon.
Meanwhile, PJ Artist Appreciation Award recipient Syed Ahmad Abdul Rahman Alhadad said he is touched by the recognition, which was bestowed for his contribution to the growth of the Petaling Jaya hiphop scene.
Syed Ahmad, who is also Lembah Jaya assemblyman, said the relationship between the media and local authorities is symbiotic as both parties need each other to deliver information to the people.
“This relationship gives local authorities room to approach media practitioners outside formal professional capacities, which expands communication ties and fosters closer interactions between both parties in various scenarios.
“This then fosters even closer cooperation and consistently, effectively strengthens bilateral ties between both parties in efforts to deliver information to the people,” said Syed Ahmad, who is also known by his stage name Altimet.
