PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Media Council (MMC) has expressed its concern over a Tamil-language portal journalist’s arrest while covering a story on undocumented migrants at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP).
In a statement on Monday (March 30), it stressed that news coverage – including being present at the scene and obtaining information – was part of the legitimate function of the media in reporting matters of public interest.
The council also called for the interpretation of “trespassing” in the context of journalistic work to be clarified so as not to criminalise the work of journalists.
On Monday, Thinathanti director Pavalaselvan Marimuthu confirmed journalist Kalidas Subramaniom’s arrest by Kulim district police at around 3pm.
According to Pavalaselvan, Kalidas had gone to KHTP on March 26 with seven other individuals, including media practitioners, activists, and non-governmental organisation (NGO) representatives.
“They were there to cover allegations that over 300 undocumented migrants were working without valid permits in the area.
“We are not just a blog; we are registered with the Information Department and have official media cards. This arrest is very shocking,” he said.
Pavalaselvan explained that Kulim police contacted Kalidas to record his statement in relation to allegations of trespassing.
“However, after he arrived at the station, we were told police arrested him for further investigation,” he said.
The MMC urged that the investigation be conducted transparently and professionally, so as to respect journalists’ rights to carry out their duties without undue interference or pressure
Meanwhile, Malaysian Tamil Press Association chief S. Muthameez Manan also condemned the arrest and said he had raised the matter with Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
Fahmi has reportedly said he would look into the matter.
