Penang’s Water Supply Corporation, PBAPP, holds inaugural Media Night. Pictured are Penang Deputy Chief Minister Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman and PBAPP CEO Dato’ Ir Jaseni Maidinsa along with media practitioners receiving awards for their top news stories on water-related issues

By V. Sivaji

Media practitioners in Penang were feted to an evening of fellowship along with a fine dinner spread by Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang (PBAPP) at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel here.

Representatives from the major print and electronic organisations were present.

PBAPP Chief Executive Officer, Dato Jaseni Maidinsa along with Penang Deputy Chief Minister 1 Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman and Media Prima Group Chairman Datuk Syed Hussain Aljunid were on hand to greet the representatives.

“We appreciate the role of the media in disseminating the correct information to the general public.They have helped to reach the public on relevant news,” said Jesani in his welcoming speech.

Among the big winners for the evening walking away with three awards was Free Malaysia Today (FMT) represented by their Northern Region Bureau Chief Predeep Nambiar along with The Star Publications which received two awards.

“I nearly did not make it to this function due to family commitments but I am glad that I managed to attend the gathering. This recognition is surely a pleasant surprise and moral booster,” said Nambiar.

The Star Publications was represented by their journalists, R Rajasekaran and Trisha Ng.

Other media organisations honoured were New Straits Times, The Sun, The Malay Mail, Kosmo, Harian Metro, Chinese dailies, Tamil dailies and other local television networks.

Each of the recipient received a plague and a cash award of RM1,000 which will be donated to a charity of their choice.