Kota Kinabalu: THE State Government continues to support the media industry through financial sponsorship for the organisation of the Kinabalu Press Awards (KPA), said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Hajiji said sponsorship for the KPA has increased to RM110,000 since 2025, compared to RM100,000 in 2024.
“The increase in sponsorship demonstrates that the State Government values and recognises the contributions of journalists, while supporting efforts to promote excellence among media practitioners in the state.
“Therefore, the State Government will continue to support this event as its main sponsor. The State Government remains the principal contributor to the Kinabalu Press Awards this year,” he said in conjunction with the Kinabalu Press Awards (KPA) 2026 here on Saturday.
His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Hajiji said the State Government greatly appreciates the role of journalists as strategic partners in communicating government policies and development achievements to the people.
“News reporting, particularly on the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan, has been carried out commendably. In fact, from the period leading up to the dissolution of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly (DUN) until the conclusion of the 17th State Election last year, media practitioners were directly involved, especially in the reporting of news developments.
“I personally witnessed how media practitioners worked tirelessly, putting in extra hours, pursuing stories from various angles and ensuring that every report delivered was accurate and upheld the highest standards of integrity for the benefit of the people.
“Throughout that period, I also saw media practitioners working around the clock, braving rain and shine to report on every development. Once again, congratulations and well done to all practitioners for their commitment in carrying out their duties,” he said.
While the speed of news delivery remains important, he stressed that accuracy and factual integrity must never be compromised.
“As such, I urge all media practitioners to continue carrying out their duties with integrity, guided by professional and responsible journalistic principles.
“Media practitioners must also continue to report accurately, transparently and ethically, and not be easily influenced by false information,” he said.
