PUTRAJAYA, The Ministry of Communications is looking into ways, including through the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), to increase benefits for media practitioners when they retire. Its minister, Fahmi Fadzil said that this followed the ministry's success in managing the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) contributions for media practitioners. "I have conveyed this matter to several agencies under the Ministry of Communications for us to look into and determine the best mechanisms for implementation," he told the media after handing over contributions from the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA to a cameraman from Malaysia Gazette here today. Fahmi said it would take some time to discuss the matter, including with EPF, to provide more benefits for media practitioners,' he said. Fahmi said that since July 1, almost 600 part-time media practitioners or stringers have benefited from the SOCSO contributions announced last May. He said that with this social protection, media practitioners can work without worry if anythin g happens. Last May 27, during the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) celebration, Fahmi announced that the Ministry of Communications would cover SOCSO contributions for 565 part-time media practitioners for a year. These contributions will be channelled through the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama). Source: BERNAMA News Agency