Media Council Calls For Talks On Coverage Protocols At Incident Scenes

KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Media Council (MMC) has called for a dialogue involving authorities and media representatives to clarify procedures for coverage at incident sites, including operational boundaries, communication protocols and mechanisms for resolving issues on the ground.

This follows an incident at the scene of an attack at an entertainment premises in Cheras, which involved interactions between enforcement personnel and media practitioners during coverage.

In a statement today, MMC stressed that such a dialogue is important to foster mutual understanding and prevent similar incidents from recurring.

“As a self-regulatory body for the industry, MMC is ready to facilitate such engagement sessions to strengthen professional working relationships between the media and enforcement agencies. Journalism is not a crime. It is a responsibility to the public,” the statement read.

MMC emphasised that journalists have a duty to document and report information to the public, including at incident scenes, as long as it does not directly interfere with security operations.

“In this context, any instructions involving journalistic materials or reporters’ devices must be handled with due care and guided by clear principles. Disproportionate actions risk undermining the role of the media and public confidence in the flow of transparent and responsible information,” it said.

MMC said relations between the media and police should be grounded in mutual understanding of their respective roles, with police managing security and the integrity of investigations, while the media ensures information reaches the public.

“Both roles require clearly defined boundaries and effective communication on the ground,” it added.

MMC said journalists have the right to carry out lawful coverage without undue interference, and any restrictions must have a clear basis, be limited in scope and proportionate.

“On-the-ground approaches should prioritise professional communication to avoid misunderstandings and tensions,” it said. 

Meanwhile, the Editors' Association of Chinese Medium of Malaysia has urged the police and other law enforcement agencies to respect the duties of reporters and photojournalists while they carry out their coverage.

In a statement today, the association said that in an 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.

It noted that while the police are responsible for maintaining public order, journalists have a responsibility to report and document events and news of 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. 

The association also expressed hope that the long-standing good relationship between both parties can be maintained, enabling continued cooperation in building a safer society with smooth information flow and minimal spread of false news.

-- BERNAMA