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THE nation’s media fraternity is mourning the loss of renowned broadcast journalist Datuk Karam Singh Walia, whose career was marked by a steadfast commitment to raising public awareness on environmental issues.
He passed away at his home in Klang, Selangor, early this morning due to liver cancer at the age of 67.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed his deep appreciation for Karam Singh’s contributions, describing him as a pivotal figure in Malaysian journalism.
“The late Datuk Karam Singh was among the key figures in the nation’s media landscape who consistently and effectively brought environmental issues to public attention,” Zahid said in a Facebook post today.
He added, “His passing is a significant loss to the country’s journalistic community. He will be remembered as a dedicated figure committed to highlighting environmental concerns to the public, with a distinctive presentation style that remains memorable to many.
“His appearances on television, particularly in field reports, were always captivating. The phrasing, delivery, and unique personality of the late Datuk Karam Singh made him a figure close to viewers’ hearts.”
Karam Singh, born in 1959 in Teluk Intan, Perak, into a family of former police officers, began his career in broadcast journalism with TV3 in 1995 and retired in 2014 due to health issues.
Widely regarded as one of Malaysia’s most influential environmental journalists, he was a two-time recipient of the Seri Angkasa Award and won the Malaysian Press Institute Award for Best Television Environmental Journalist for four consecutive years from 2004 to 2007.
He was also a recipient of the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA media award in June 2024.
Echoing Zahid’s wishes, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching described Karam Singh’s passing as an irreplaceable loss to the nation’s journalism scene.
“His voice, delivery, and the rhymes that often accompanied his reports were iconic and resonated deeply with the public.
“His reporting was not just news coverage; it was a touch of the soul that distinguished him and will always be remembered,” she said on Facebook.
Teo recalled visiting Karam Singh in June 2024 to present the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA contribution.
Meanwhile, Kamaruddin Mape, General Manager of On Air Presentation at Media Prima Berhad, who had a close working relationship with Karam Singh, echoed the sentiment that his loss leaves a void impossible to fill.
“He set a benchmark for environmental reporting and served as a guide for the next generation of broadcast journalists.
“His dedication, punctuality, and commitment to perfection in every report have left an enduring legacy at TV3.
“To this day, I have not seen another broadcast journalist reach the standards he set. Some have tried to emulate his style, but none have matched his level of excellence,” Kamaruddin said after paying his final respects.
During his 19-year tenure at TV3, Karam Singh was initially assigned to the Sports Desk before dedicating himself to covering environmental issues, earning acclaim for bringing national attention to critical ecological concerns.
His passing marks not only the loss of a distinguished journalist but also a voice that educated, inspired, and unified Malaysians through thoughtful and impactful reporting.
In a new development, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended his condolences to the family of the late broadcast journalist.
In a post on Facebook, he paid tribute to Karam Singh’s dedication and contributions to the field of broadcast journalism.
“I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Datuk Karam Singh Walia, a highly respected broadcast journalist, on his passing today.
“His tireless contributions and commitment to journalism, particularly in raising public awareness on environmental issues, will be remembered and continue to inspire future generations.
“May he rest in peace, and may his family be granted strength and resilience during this difficult time,” the Prime Minister said. - April 6, 2026
