KUALA LUMPUR: Three media-related complaints have been referred to the Malaysian Media Council (MMM) complaints panel for the first time since the council's complaints mechanism began operating, according to an MMM statement Wednesday (Aug 5).
The MMM secretariat received 14 formal complaints during the second quarter of this year, with 10 resolved by June 30. Of the four remaining cases, three were referred to the Complaints Panel, while one continued to be handled by the secretariat.
The complaints panel, established to independently consider complex or disputed cases that cannot be resolved through direct engagement and mediation, is operating as a one-year pilot project with a rotating membership comprising representatives from media organisations, practising journalists, civil society groups and external experts.
The statement said the increase from five complaints in the first quarter to 14 in the second quarter reflected greater public awareness of the council's complaints mechanism following the implementation of its second phase.
The complaints involved recurring ethical issues as well as new concerns, including reporting on suicide cases, protecting the privacy and dignity of deceased individuals and their families, content alleged to be inhumane or to incite hatred against the Rohingya refugee community, and inaccurate reporting of statements made by public figures.
The secretariat also examined emerging issues involving the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated images in journalism and the disclosure of personal information in court reports.
MMM said most complaints were resolved through direct engagement between the secretariat and the media organisations concerned, with several organisations amending, correcting or removing the disputed content without the need for further action.
The MMM quarterly report on complaints for the second quarter of 2026 is available on the council's official website. - Bernama
