PETALING JAYA – Scoop celebrated a historic win at the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) Awards 2024 after bagging the Best Commentary (print media) today.
Fabian Peter was named the winner of the category for his thought-provoking piece “Time to rethink our obsession with gold”, published on August 15, 2024.
The article explored Malaysia’s medal-centric mindset and called for a more holistic appreciation of sporting excellence beyond podium finishes.
Fabian’s win also marked a strong showing for Scoop, with two more journalists earning nominations.
Sandru Narayanan was shortlisted for Best News Report (Print Media) for “Embracing dad’s wisdom: how Thamaraj defied stereotypes to become world silat champion”, published on December 26, 2024, while Julie Jalaluddin and videographer Riduan Ahmad was nominated in the Best Commentary (Electronic Media) category for her February 5 piece, “CID chief Shuhaily reflects on colour-blind bonds formed under Olympian coach Paramalingam.”
The awards ceremony, held at a hotel in Petaling Jaya today, was graced by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, who praised sports journalists for their role in shaping public appreciation of athletes and their journeys.
Among other major winners were Muhd Ferzalfie Muhamad Fauzi of Harian Metro, who won Best News Report (Print Media), and Arena’s Mohammad Fadhirul Anuar Shuhaimi and Mohd Irsyahdi Tumian, who took home Best News Report (Electronic Media).
In the Best Commentary (Electronic Media) category, TV3’s Saiyed Ismail Saiyed Hussin and Abdul Razak Ibrahim emerged victorious, while Arena’s Norsyarafina Nasrom and Muhamad Shahir Othman dominated both the Best Special Report (Open Category) and the Siebel Award 2024.
Other honours included:
– Best Sports Photography: Zulfadli Zulkifli (Bernama)
– Most Popular Commentator: Aiman Roshizam “Sekaiichi” (Astro Arena)
– Best Young Athlete: Muhammad Dhuha Zulfikry, national swimmer
Special Recognition Award:
– Datuk Hishamuddin Aun (football observer)
– Yu Nee Kong (sports observer)
– Eric Samuel (sports observer)
– Dynamic Association Award: Sepak Takraw Association of Malaysia
– 100Plus Special Award: Johor Darul Ta’zim FC
– Leadership Figure Award: Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin, FAM honorary president
– Best Athlete: Farah Ain Abdullah, lawn bowls
– Best Para Athlete: Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, weightlifting
The 2024 edition of the SAM Awards reaffirmed the critical role of sportswriters in elevating athletes’ stories beyond the field of play—and, for Scoop, the day signalled a rising voice in that narrative. — July 14, 2025