Utusan Malaysia Wins Gold for Best Photo at HKM MPI-Petronas Awards 2026

Muhammad Fariz Rusadio, a photographer for Utusan Malaysia, has clinched the gold medal in the Best Photo category at the prestigious 2026 Malaysia Journalism Awards (HKM MPI-Petronas). The award ceremony, held last night, recognized excellence in journalism across the nation.

Rusadio's winning photograph depicted a dramatic moment: Aprilia Racing rider Jorge Martin being thrown from his bike during a 2025 preseason testing session at the Sepang International Circuit. The image captured the raw intensity and inherent risks of professional motorcycle racing.

Along with the gold medal, Rusadio received a trophy, a certificate of appreciation, and a cash prize of up to RM10,000 at the Malaysian Journalists Night (MWM) 2026 event, hosted at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur. His colleague, Muhammad Syakir Radin Ab Halim, also a photographer for Utusan Malaysia, earned a silver award in the same competitive category, highlighting the strong performance of the newspaper's photojournalism team.

Fariz Rusadio's victory serves as a testament to his skill in producing photojournalistic work that possesses strong news value. His ability to convey messages and emotions through the power of visual storytelling was clearly recognized by the award judges. The HKM2026, organized by the Malaysia Press Institute (MPI), brought together the country's top media practitioners to celebrate their achievements in various journalistic fields.