Not compulsory, but journalists, your annual check-up could soon come with your press card

PETALING JAYA, October 31 — The Malaysian Media Council should examine ways to motivate journalists to undergo regular medical examinations when renewing their press cards, according to Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil. The minister emphasized the importance of ensuring that all 12,000 media professionals receive timely health assessments to identify potential issues early on.

Speaking at the launch of the Journalists' Health Screening Programme in collaboration with the Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur (CVSKL) Foundation, Fahmi stated that while making the screenings mandatory is not being considered, the Information Department could inquire about the medical history of journalists during the annual accreditation card process.

The proposed initiative, valued at RM1 million, was generously donated by the ECM Libra Foundation to the CVSKL Foundation. The primary goal is to enhance access to preventive healthcare services for journalists and active or former media personnel. Fahmi highlighted that early detection of non-communicable diseases through these screenings can significantly contribute to the well-being of journalists, potentially averting serious health complications.