PENAMPANG: Former New Straits Times Sabah bureau chief, Roy Goh, 54, who has been slowly rebuilding his life after a stroke in 2018, received financial aid under the Tabung Kasih @ Hawana today.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil gave the aid during a visit to his Kampung Kambau, Donggongon home.

Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, who was present, also contributed to Roy.

“Roy, a journalist who has served for a long time, has experienced some health problems since 2018,” Fahmi told the media after the simple presentation ceremony.

“I see that he is in high spirits and still contributes news from time to time as a stringer.

” I hope media organisations (can) make use of his experience,” he said.

Fahmi said Tabung Kasih @ Hawana is a fund created to help journalists who may face difficulties.

Roy is the 12th recipient in Sabah and one of 147 recipients nationwide since the initiative began in April 2023.

Bernama manages the fund, and another journalist will receive assistance next week.

Fahmi said Bernama has been asked to collaborate with media associations in the state to support journalists in need.

The government has allocated a total of RM2 million has been allocated to the fund to look after the welfare and well-being of journalists, he said.

Ewon expressed his appreciation to Fahmi for visiting Roy, who, as a journalist, had contributed significantly to the country through his writing.

“I hope Fahmi will continue to support other media personnel in need, as this is a form of assistance from the Prime Minister,” he said.

Roy said that while he was a bit immobile after the stroke, he is slowly recovering.

“I was fortunate to have worked with the company, so everything was in place in terms of getting all those social security (Socso) benefits.

“It helped me rebuild my life in small ways.

“My daily routine now involves small activities like farming, part-time writing, and making rice wine,” said Roy.

He began his journalism career in 1993, working his way up from Borneo Mail to The Sun, The Borneo Post, and spent 14 years with the New Straits Times from 2004 to 2018.

Also present were Communications Ministry Deputy Secretary-General (Strategic Communications and Creative Industries) Nik Kamaruzaman Nik Husin, Bernama Deputy Editor-in-Chief (News Service) Nasriah Darus and Sabah Journalist Association President Datuk Muguntan Vanar. – NST Online