KUALA LUMPUR: The RM100,000 compound issued each on Sin Chew Media Corporation Bhd and Sinar Karangkraf Sdn Bhd over a flag slip-up and inaccurate information were viewed as excessive and may deter newsrooms from experimenting and innovating with new technologies.
A statement issued by Malaysian Media Council (MMM) founding board said it views with serious concern the compound imposed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on the two media agencies on Friday (Sept 19).
“While MMM acknowledges the importance of accuracy and the need to respect national symbols, the penalties imposed are excessive and disproportionate to the alleged offences.
“Such heavy fines risk fostering a climate of fear and self-censorship among journalists and editors which allows conditions that weaken the media’s core responsibility to inform the public and hold power to account,” MMM’s statement read.
The council added that it recognises MCMC’s mandate under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, but enforcement must be applied with balance and fairness.
MMM said inadvertent mistakes, though regrettable, should invite proportionate and corrective measures, not punitive sanctions that threaten newsroom viability, discourage public-interest reporting or limit the diversity of voices in our media ecosystem.
“This is especially pressing as Malaysia’s media industry navigates rapid technological change,” it said, adding that artificial intelligence and other digital tools are transforming how news is gathered, verified and distributed.
“Excessive penalties create uncertainty and may deter newsrooms from experimenting and innovating with these technologies, to the detriment of a more dynamic and forward-looking media landscape,” the statement said.
The MMM also called for constructive engagement between MCMC, the Home Ministry, media organisations and the council itself to develop clearer guidelines and a transparent, collaborative framework for addressing such matters.
“Our shared goal must be to safeguard both journalistic integrity and the public’s right to information while allowing the media the space to grow, adapt and innovate.
“The MMM remains committed to working with all stakeholders to uphold responsible journalism and to protect media freedom as an essential pillar of Malaysian democracy,” it said.
Earlier, it was reported that the media agencies have each been issued a compound of RM100,000 each by the MCMC after obtaining permission from the Attorney General’s Chambers.
MCMC said action against Sin Chew Media was taken following an investigation, which found that the organisation had uploaded an incomplete illustration of the Jalur Gemilang on its digital media.
Meanwhile, Sinar Karangkraf was reportedly compounded over a posting on its official Instagram account, which contained false information about the Inspector-General of Police.
In a statement, the Editor's Association of Chinese Medium of Malaysia said MCMC’s decision is detrimental to the development of the media industry, especially at a time when the industry is already facing tremendous challenges.
“When unintentional mistakes occur in reporting, if the authorities choose to respond with punitive measures rather than provide space and opportunities for tolerance and improvement, it will only dishearten journalists, leaving them feeling insecure and fearful that any inadvertent error could trigger endless reprisals and punishment,” it said.
It said if the government insists on imposing heavy penalties instead of understanding the high-pressure environment of front-line journalism, it would appear lacking in compassion and inevitably dampen the morale of media practitioners.
It urged the authorities to adopt a constructive attitude and spirit by working hand-in-hand with the industry to explore more effective mechanisms for improvement and training, rather than relying solely on hefty fines.
