A special report on e-cigarette earned two Astro AWANI journalists/ newsreaders the top award at the Health Ministry appreciation held here, last night.

Abdul Hakim Ab. Rahman and Khairunnisa Kasnoon clinched the top spot in the Best Health Journalism category for their special report entitled, “E-Rokok: Dilema Perokok Tegar” (E-Cigarette: Dilemma of Smokers).

Abdul Rahman and Khairunnisa bagged RM5,000 and a certificate.

Astro AWANI's journalist, producer and newsreader, Cynthia Ng secured the second spot for her report entitled, “Drugs and HIV among fishermen in Kuantan” which zoomed in on HIV-prevalence drug addicts among fishermen. Ng bagged RM1,000 and a certificate.

Held at at Cititel Hotel in MidValley, the awards were presented by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.

Health Ministry
The recipients (from left) Ab.Hakim, Khairunnisa and Ng were elated when they posed for the camera during the show. - Astro AWANI Photo

Subramaniam during his speech highlighted that social media users should be aware of the sensitivity and validity of information related to health issues before they start sharing them.

As social media plays an important role in the context of disseminating information fast, said Subramaniam it can be misused causing confusion to the people.

“There are wrong and fake information, especially (news) on Ebola which was traced in this country a few months ago, where it created panic among the peole,” he said.

The event was also attended by Deputy Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya, Health Ministry Secretary-General, Datuk Farida Mohd Ali and Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Press Institute, Datuk Chamil Wariya.

Currently in its eighth edition, this year's event received a total of 224 entries from print and electronic media organisations.