KOTA KINABALU (June 30): See Hua Group of newspapers, The Borneo Post, Utusan Borneo and See Hua Daily News, won two main and five merit awards at the annual Kinabalu Press Awards 2025 held here on Sunday night.
The Borneo Post reporters, Jenne John Lajiun and Elton Aaron Gomes took home the top awards in the News Reporting (Non feature) and Environmental Journalism categories respectively.
Jenne’s articles about STAR president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan speaking about his experience while detained under ISA won her RM2,500.
Elton’s article about an NGO’s efforts to save turtles and sharks also won him the top prize of RM2,500.
The merit prizes were won by See Hua Daily News’ Yong Ted Phen, James Tseu and Ho Yin Yin as well as Utusan Borneo’s Siti Aisyah Narudin, Yap Siong Han, Vivi Oliviana Najurus and Hamzah Sanudin.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor in his speech at the event called on media practitioners to carry out their duties with full integrity, guided by principles of professional and responsible journalism.
He said the success and communication of government policies also depend greatly on the vital role of the media in delivering information clearly and effectively to the people.
In the context of the state’s development, he said the government remains committed to implementing various initiatives that benefit the people and accelerate Sabah’s progress through the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan.
“As a partner that maintains close cooperation and strong ties with the government, the media also plays a key role in disseminating information related to the state government’s development policies, particularly under the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan.
“Therefore, I hope this strategic cooperation will continue to be strengthened and our good relationship will be further enhanced to help the government spread important information to the people about the state’s development agenda and direction.
“Media reports also help the government understand what is happening at the grassroots level and the concerns of the people. Certainly, the government always welcomes such reports and coverage from media practitioners acting as a bridge between the government and the people,” he said.
The Chief Minister’s speech was delivered by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Hajiji also expressed hope that the media will always play its important role as a trusted provider of information, a source of authentic news, and a platform for the public to access information quickly and accurately.
He said the Kinabalu Press Awards, organised by the Sabah Journalists Association in collaboration with the state government and other sponsors, aim to recognise and appreciate the commitment and capabilities of media practitioners in the state.
“This event also serves as an excellent platform to motivate media practitioners to be more driven, focused and responsible in carrying out their duties with greater transparency and ethics,” he said.
In this regard, he added that the government has never neglected the crucial role of the media in society and continues to support programmes such as the KPA through financial sponsorships.
“The state government greatly values and understands this need, and sponsorship assistance has even increased every year.
“I also congratulate all the winners — keep up the excellent work and let this achievement be a catalyst for continuing to contribute to the state’s development and the well-being of the people through credible and ethical news reporting,” he said.
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