THE Communications and Digital Ministry is looking to protect the well-being of stringers in the media industry, said its minister Fahmi Fadzil. 

Yesterday, he said he would hold talks with the Social Security Organisation (Socso) and relevant parties regarding contributions for journalists, especially stringers (part-time media workers). 

National Press Club president Ahirudin Attan said the discussion would settle the need for coverage of stringers in the event of occupational accident or injury.

“Currently, most stringers are not protected unless they are former reporters for media houses. Stringers are part and parcel of the media industry, as most organisations would not have everyone (reporters) on site all the time,” he told Bernama when contacted.

He suggested the ministry continue its effort to create an environment for stringers to contribute towards the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to enable more systematic procedures.

He also suggested the ministry hold talks with the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM), representatives from media houses, the Malaysian Employers Federation, and the Human Resources Ministry to standardise the job scope and employment rates for stringers.

“A deeper discussion is needed to establish a standard payment rate for stringers, either to be paid by hours or per article,” he said.

Astro Awani Perak representative Amirrul Rabbani Rashid said if the contribution as announced by the ministry is activated, stringers can enjoy healthcare benefits, among others. 

“The effort could lighten stringers’ burdens, especially in the face of unforeseen situations such as accident or injury while on duty,” he said.

He said the ministry should engage with the Finance Ministry or Bank Negara to provide aid in obtaining financing, such as for owning a house or a vehicle.

“This is because there are some stringers facing problems doing so (owning houses or vehicles), when in fact some of them have a monthly income that should let them get bank loans,” he said.

NUJM president Farah Marshita Abdul Patah said with the Socso contribution, the stringers will be compensated if they are involved in accidents during active duty.

She said in addition to the Socso contribution, the Communications and Digital Ministry could arrange for stringers to get medical insurance for when they are hospitalised. 

“Insurance protection aside, the ministry should look at the payment rate for stringers, especially their overtime payment, as most stringers work more than eight hours (a day),” she said. – Bernama, July 17, 2023.