SERI KEMBANGAN, Feb 16- Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil presented a contribution from the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund today to the family of the late Muhammad Basir Abu Bakar, a former journalist from Utusan Melayu (M) Berhad, who passed away yesterday due to chronic illness.

The contribution is to help alleviate the burden of the deceased's family, especially his children who have now become orphans after losing both their parents.

"I will try to obtain the telephone numbers used by these three children. Insya-Allah, if the plan is a post-paid plan, I will help to pay for their Internet for a year.

"This is to prevent any problems if these children try to contact family members, relatives or each other," he said.

He said this after visiting the family of the late Muhammad Basir Abu Bakar here.

His office will also examine if the late Muhammad Basir's family is eligible to receive benefits from the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso).

Meanwhile, he also informed that he will discuss with Malaysia National News (Bernama) to find the best mechanism to assist former journalists who are facing chronic illnesses.

So far, 303 individuals have benefited from the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA, which was established to help media practitioners facing difficulties in life, especially due to chronic illnesses.