One of the biggest challenges facing the media is fierce competition from other platforms, which can affect the accuracy of information that spreads, says Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
“Disasters like the 2021 floods and Putra Heights gas explosion this year underscore the need for accurate, timely information to prevent social instability during turbulent times,” he said.
Amirudin was speaking at the launch of Pertubuhan Wartawan Jurugambar Selangor (Wajar) at Bangunan Dewan Negeri Selangor in Shah Alam.
“However, in this era where information spreads very fast, it is sometimes difficult to assess the accuracy of information.
“Viral information is not necessarily accurate while accurate information is not necessarily viral.
“Hence, I have told my officers that 24 hours may already be too slow for us to provide feedback and clarifications on issues; we need to react faster when something happens.”
As such, Amirudin said an organisation like Wajar, comprising media practitioners including journalists and photographers in Selangor, was crucial in ensuring that the sector continued to thrive.
“Wajar is an important platform for Selangor’s journalism industry to be more orderly, professional and credible,” he said, while pledging to be Wajar’s patron at the launch.
Also present was Wajar president Norrasyidah Arshad, who called the formation of Wajar an “important point” in the history of Selangor’s journalism.
“Wajar gathers journalists and photographers in Selangor to protect their dignity and promote ethical journalism. We would also like to fight for our members’ welfare from various aspects such as wages.”
She added that Wajar would become the bridge between the media, state government and society.
Norrasyidah hoped that their voices would be heard and their professional relationships with all parties could be further strengthened through this platform.
Wajar, which currently has almost 80 members, also received financial support from Selangor youth, sports and entrepreneurship committee chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi (RM5,000), Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI) (RM8,000) and Yayasan MBI (RM20,000).
