Pendika seeks collaboration to improve media practitioners’ welfare, addressing low salaries and income insecurity among journalists in Malaysia
MELAKA: The Melaka Media Practitioners Club (Pendika) is prepared to work with government, industry players and media organisations to develop comprehensive proposals strengthening media practitioners’ welfare.
Pendika president Amir Mamat said low salaries affect both full-time professionals and part-time journalists or stringers.
Many stringers earn below RM2,000 monthly despite having over a decade of service, he revealed in a statement today.
“Pendika takes seriously the issue of income insecurity among stringers who are often on the front lines yet do not receive compensation reflecting their risks and responsibilities,” Amir said.
He emphasised the need for immediate attention through fairer salary improvements matching experience and contributions.
Social protection, career advancement and professional training must also be restructured, he added.
“The reality that media practitioners live below the poverty line shows a huge gap between their work burden and remuneration,” Amir stated.
He welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s concern about media practitioners receiving low salaries despite long service.
“The statement demonstrates welfare is getting highest leadership attention, offering renewed hope to those struggling with inadequate income,” he said.
Pendika remains committed to championing media practitioners’ voices and rights, particularly in Melaka.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister expressed understanding about media practitioners’ grievances regarding low wages, especially in Sabah.
He has directed Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil to prepare a comprehensive report on journalists’ salaries and propose solutions.
These solutions may include channelling incentives to media companies to increase salaries or allowances. – Bernama
