KUALA LUMPUR: Journalists have the responsibility to record and report information to the public, including at incident locations, as long as it does not directly interfere with security operations, says the Malaysian Media Council (MMM).
In a statement on Thursday (April 9), MMM said it took note of the incident at the site of an attack on an entertainment premises in Cheras, which involved interactions between enforcement authorities and media practitioners.
"Journalism is a legitimate function within a democratic system, and any directives involving journalistic materials or devices must be handled with great care and based on clear principles.
"Disproportionate actions risk undermining the role of the media as well as public confidence in the transparent and responsible flow of information," it said.
It said that the relationship between the media and the police should be grounded in mutual understanding of their respective roles.
"The police are responsible for managing security and the integrity of investigations, while the media ensures information reaches the public.
"Both roles require respected boundaries and clear communication on the ground," it said.
It (MMM) stressed that journalists have the right to carry out their coverage lawfully without undue interference.
"Any restrictions must have a clear basis, be limited and proportionate.
"Approaches on the ground should prioritise professional communication to avoid misunderstandings and tension," it said.
MMM then urged for an official dialogue session between authorities and media representatives to clarify procedures for handling coverage at incident locations, including operational boundaries, communication protocols and mechanisms for resolving issues or the ground.
"This dialogue is important to build mutual understanding and prevent similar incidents from recurring.
"As a self-regulatory body for the industry, MMM is ready to facilitate such engagement to strengthen professional working relations between the media and enforcement agencies.
"Journalism is not a crime and is a responsibility to the public," it said.
Persatuan Pengarang Aliran Cina Malaysia in a statement urged the police and other law enforcement agencies to respect the duties of reporters and photojournalists while carrying out their work.
"In today’s era of rampant fake news across various new media platforms the country needs responsible journalists to help restore the truth and establish reliable news sources.
"The police are responsible for maintaining public order while journalists are responsible for reporting and documenting events and news relevant to public interest.
"As long as reporters and photojournalists do not obstruct police work during their coverage, they should be facilitated and assisted as much as possible to complete their reporting tasks," it said.
Referencing the incident at the entertainment outlet in Cheras, the association said it hoped that both parties could continue their long-standing good relationship, working together to build a safer society with smooth information flow and minimal spread of false news.
It was reported that there have been claims that police ordered several journalists to delete all photos and videos taken at the scene of a gang-related attack at a karaoke centre in Cheras on Tuesday (April 7).
