Malaysian Media Council calls for clear guidelines between authorities, journalists

KUCHING (April 9): The Malaysian Media Council (MMM) has called for an official dialogue session between authorities and media representatives to clarify procedures for handling coverage at incident locations.

The council said the session should address operational boundaries, communication protocols and mechanisms for resolving issues on the ground.

The statement was issued in response to recent interactions between enforcement authorities and media practitioners during the coverage of an attack incident at an entertainment premises in Cheras.

Stressing that journalism is a legitimate function within a democratic system, MMM said 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.

“In this context, 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 in a statement on Wednesday.

The council added that the relationship between the media and the police should be grounded in mutual understanding of their respective roles.

MMM noted that while the police are responsible for managing security and the integrity of investigations, the media plays a significant role in ensuring information reaches the public.

“Both roles require respected boundaries and clear communication on the ground,” the council said.

In this regard, MMM emphasised that journalists have the right to carry out their duties lawfully without undue interference.

“Any restrictions must have a clear basis, be limited and proportionate,” it added.

The council also stressed that approaches on the ground should prioritise professional communication to avoid misunderstandings and tension.

MMM said the proposed dialogue is essential in fostering mutual understanding and preventing 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. It is a responsibility to the public,” the council added.