NSTP Reporters Win Awards for Health Articles

PETALING JAYA, Wed. – Veteran journalist Annie Freeda Cruez walked away with two awards at the Health Ministry’s Media Awards tonight.

Cruez, known for her persistence in going after “scoop” stories, also helped the New Straits Times to be chosen as the Best English Newspaper for news on organ donations.

Covering the health beat for the NST, Cruez has over the years brought many page one leads and written features on health and its related issues.

“Health affects everyone and that is why I chose it,” she said after receiving the “Journalism Appreciation Award (English)” for her article entitled “Student Needs Lung Transplant” published on May 6 last year and the Press Journalism Award for the most number of health articles.

She received her awards and two cheques totalling RM4,000 from Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek at the Armada Hotel here.

Cruez also received a certificate on behalf of the NST for Best English Newspaper for news on organ donations.

Dr Chua said the awards were introduced for the first time this year to appreciate the media’s role in disseminating information related to health issues to the public.

“The articles and audio visuals from the print and electronic media are an effective way to educate society on health issues,” he said.

Harian Metro reporter Norlaila Hamima Jamaluddin won a consolation prize under the Best Health Journalism Award (Bahasa Melayu). She received RM500 and a certificate.

A total of 174 entries were received for the two main categories: Mass Media Organ Donation Awards and Special Media Awards.