Bernama Now Among Distinguished News Agencies In Asia, Says SJA President

KOTA KINABALU (Sabah, Malaysia), May 21 (Bernama) -- After 44 years of operation and having set up bureaus in several major cities across the world, the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) has become one of the most distinguished news agencies in Asia, said BIMP-EAGA Media and Communicators Association protem chairman, Joniston Bangkuai. BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippine East ASEAN Growth Area. Bangkuai, who is also Sabah Journalists Association president, said with offices in all states in Malaysia, Bernama was now capable of offering a very wide news coverage, including in remote areas. However, he hoped Bernama would enhance its services to match the global demands and the borderless world. "Although the number of Bernama staff in Sabah has increased, it is insufficient as the size of the state is equivalent to several states in the peninsula combined. "The unique position of Sabah and Sarawak, which have numerous local newspapers, requires the setting up of a mini-editorial unit in Kota Kinabalu to ensure accurate and fast distribution of localised news," he said in a statement here, in conjunction with Bernama's 44th anniversary on Sunday. Bangkuai, who had also served as Bernama reporter in the early 1980s, said the agency should consider setting up a full-time Bernama TV unit in Sabah, the easternmost state of Malaysia. "Overall, Bernama office in Sabah should be commended for having succeeded in distributing, not only comprehensive, but also fast and accurate news to the people," he added. -- BERNAMA