PUTRAJAYA: All media practitioners need to consult with the Foreign Ministry for advice and guidelines before participating in humanitarian missions organised by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), especially in turbulent countries, says Fahmi Fadzil (pic).
The Communications Minister said this would ensure media personnel's safety during coverage and prevent untoward incidents.
"We (media practitioners) need to refer to Wisma Putra because there are usually guidelines provided. The Communications Ministry wants journalists and media people who want to participate in such programmes to prioritise safety and their right to report.
"We want to ensure that they do not face any problems in carrying out their duties. Safety and the freedom to report from the field are our priorities," he said after attending the ministry’s 2023 Excellent Service Award (APC) ceremony for Peninsular Zone here on Thursday (May 16).
Fahmi was asked about a video shared by the Instagram account 'capricedaddycap' on Wednesday (May 15) regarding a group of health workers from an NGO reported to be stranded in Rafah, Gaza.
In the video's caption, which lasted over a minute, the influencer asked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Fahmi, and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan to help the seven health workers leave Rafah as the situation there was getting really dangerous.
"I have not received detailed information from Wisma Putra yet. God-willing, we will first refer to them to determine their status and what actions can be taken. However, it is noted that the safety of Malaysian citizens in such situations is indeed a concern for Wisma Putra," Fahmi said.- Bernama
