EVERY year, the World Press Freedom Day on May 3 offers a moment to pause and ask: What do journalists really need?
The answers are rarely glamorous. They centre on safety, the space to work without fear, and the respect that comes with being trusted to tell stories that matter.
In Malaysia, Hawana – the National Journalists’ Day, which falls on May 29 and is set to be celebrated from June 19 to June 21 this year – adds another layer to that reflection.
This year’s theme, “Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility”, speaks to resilience, but also to the everyday realities of reporting: long hours, tight deadlines and the enduring hope that truth can still cut through the noise.
Across newsrooms, from city desks to community beats, the call remains consistent.
Journalists want protection, recognition as professionals and the freedom to do their jobs. Not applause or privilege – just the ability to keep the public informed.
Noting the setting up of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) as only the first step, National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) general-secretary Teh Athira Yusof stresses that other than the official accreditation, it is equally important to have a formal recognition of journalism as a protected profession under national policy frameworks.
She points to countries such as France, where journalists are legally recognised and issued professional press cards under a statutory system, reinforcing their status and access rights.
“Recognition does not mean licensing the press, which NUJM firmly opposes, but rather ensuring journalists have institutional protection, access rights and professional safeguards,” she says.
MMC secretary Radzi Razak puts it plainly when outlining what journalists need.
“Journalists want the freedom to report without fear or favour, and the institutional support to uphold truth, accountability and the public interest.
“Beyond recognition, journalists seek sustainable livelihoods, fair working conditions and the resources necessary to continue serving the public with integrity,” he tells the Sunday Star.
Here is what some journalists say:
Firdaus Azil, Astro Awani
Journalism is not just a job, but it is a duty to the people. Our responsibility is to ensure information is delivered accurately and responsibly to the public.
Today, with so many news portals, self‑claimed journalists, and even citizen journalism, I think the laws and policies governing the media need to be clearer, more transparent and more thorough.
Strong ethical standards are very important, not to restrict reporting, but to protect credibility and public trust in journalism.
Rahmat Khairulrijal, New Straits Times
I want to see a meaningful freedom of information framework at the federal level. Right now, access to official data is inconsistent and often slow. If public institutions are funded by taxpayers, the default should be transparency, not secrecy.
At the same time, low salaries haven’t kept pace with rising living costs. Many journalists struggle with rent, transport and irregular hours, despite heavy workloads and risks that aren’t matched by adequate compensation.
Koh Chiew Heong, Sin Chew Daily
I hope the government will relax restrictions on media coverage of the 3R issues and adopt more transparent and fair enforcement. Rational discussion in the media is an effort to promote harmony among different races and religions. One key concern is that the penalties for unintentional media errors are often perceived as too severe, leading to increasingly restrictive freedom of speech.
A single misstep should not trigger overlapping investigations by multiple government agencies, such as the Home Ministry, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, and the police. Such actions ignore the hard-earned role of the MMC.
Mariah Doksil, Borneo Post
Journalists want to report fairly, but there are [outside] pressures.... Sometimes it’s subtle, sometimes it’s more obvious. Either way, it puts journalists in a difficult position. Stronger structures are needed to protect editorial independence so reporters can focus on the story, not the pressure behind it.
Alyaa Alhadjri, Malaysiakini
I want to see a policy that protects a journalist’s right to carry out our duties without hindrance, regulated by journalism ethics and a code of conduct. While understanding that no freedom is absolute, including freedom of the press, any policy in place should promote instead of hinder journalism work.
Any policy targeted towards the media industry and journalists should embrace the globally accepted principle that Journalism is Not A Crime. Other supporting policies should encourage freedom of information, access to information and improve whistleblowers protection.
Divya Theresa Ravi, The Star
As a young journalist, I want this profession to be valued as a real career path among today’s youth – it’s often undermined compared with 20 or 30 years ago. Greater recognition can bring more young voices into the field, shaping opinions and helping the younger ones understand how the world develops across different sectors.
Soo Wern Jun, Malay Mail
We need to look into the welfare, rights, safety and security of journalists, while on the job. How are we protected under the law or are there any laws that protect the media today?
We need recognition. It can be translated into an issue as without people knowing what we are, without respect or recognition, what we do has no value in the public eye, it leads to the question of why protect or allow the media to carry out their work? On safety, there are no murders or severe targets on our heads but we still don’t feel 100% safe when we’re on duty.
Moganraj Villavan, FMT
In recent years, the lines around media access have blurred. Social media influencers are increasingly granted media passes, sometimes without clear distinction from official digital media accreditation.
Meanwhile, working journalists and photojournalists covering government events have found themselves blocked from documenting visuals independently. What’s needed is a proper plan for on‑ground media – one that allows reporters to carry out assignments without unnecessary obstacles.
Alexandra Lorna, Sarawak Tribune
As a journalist, I would like to see stronger enforcement of copyright and content protection laws, especially regarding news articles and photographs being copied or reposted without proper credit. In today’s digital world, content is easily shared online, but original creators often do not receive recognition or acknowledgment, which affects journalistic integrity and ownership.
I also think there should be clearer guidelines and stronger action against plagiarism of news content, while still allowing responsible sharing of information with proper attribution. Digital platforms should also play a bigger role in ensuring original news sources are credited.
Nurul Huda Husain, Sinar Harian
I hope the mainstream media will continue to be given sufficient space and freedom to publish their reports without any restrictions.
In addition, it is hoped that the welfare, safety, and career development of journalists will continue to be given attention so that we can carry out our duties more effectively.
