KUALA LUMPUR - Lifestyle & Visual Editor Syahirah Moktazar bagged Best Online Medical Travel Report of The Year at the Medical Travel Media Award (MTMA) 2023 for her report on Guillain Barre Syndrome.
Her award-winning report, which focused on the story of Lukman Yahya and his battle with Guillain Barre Syndrome was lauded for its meaningful and impactful storytelling.
Syahirah emphasised the responsibility of journalists to raise awareness in society and expressed her satisfaction in creating a story that touched people's hearts and raised awareness.
"What inspired me to write this story was, as journalists, it's our responsibility to write meaningful, impactful stories that will raise awareness in society.
"In conjunction with the Rare Syndrome Day, I thought it would be a good idea to write a story that will touch people's hearts as well as raise awareness,” she said after receiving her award at Park Royal Collection Hotel, here tonight.
MTMA 2023, organised by the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), aimed to recognise and reward excellence in journalism, with a specific focus on the medical travel industry in Malaysia.
Commenting further, Syahirah said her achievement not only highlighted the power of impactful storytelling in journalism but also the importance of raising awareness about medical travel and rare medical conditions.
Her recognition at the MTMA 2023 highlighted the significant role that journalists play in informing and educating the public about important societal and healthcare issues.
"The story also opens up our eyes on the Malaysian healthcare system, on how it's very accessible to Malaysians, on how we don't struggle like other countries to get healthcare as easily as we do.
"I'm glad that my story received a recognition and it has created an impact enough for us, for Sinar Daily to be recognised for this award,” she said.
In October, Sinar Daily bagged the Silver Award at the Digital Media Asia Awards 2023 for Best News Website.