KUALA LUMPUR: Journalists have a responsibility to record and report, including at incident locations as long as it does not directly interfere with security operations, says the Malaysian Media Council (MMC).
In a statement yesterday, the council said it took note of an incident between enforcement authorities and the media at an entertainment outlet in Cheras – the site of an earlier rioting incident that took place in broad daylight on Sunday.
Members of the press were asked to delete their photos and videos, even though these were shot from an open public area that was across from the “crime scene”.
“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.
MMC added that the relationship between the media and the police should be grounded in the 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.
The council also 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.
MMC also called 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, MMC 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.
In a statement, Persatuan Pengarang Aliran Cina Malaysia urged the police and other law enforcement agencies to respect the duties of journalists 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 ascertain 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 they 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.
