THE police inaction over harassment endured by reporters from The Vibes shows the need for Putrajaya to enact a specific legislation to protect media freedom, said Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm).  

“This incident shows that we need specific laws to protect the media so that we can do our jobs without being intimidated, based on basic journalistic ethics.  

“For starters, the so-called need to get ‘permission’ from relevant authorities before doing a coverage on matters of public interest should be done away with,” it said, in a statement.  

On Saturday, The Vibes reported that two of its journalists were harassed by a security guard at the Pudu Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) in Kuala Lumpur, when the journalists attempted to do a video story on how the people had to endure long hours of wait to get their passports renewed. 

The guard was yelling to the duo that no one was allowed to take pictures and speak to those standing in line along the corridors without formal approval.  

Both the reporters and security guard have lodged police report on the matter. 

Yesterday, Dang Wangi district police chief Noor Dellhan Yahaya told reporter Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain that there was no criminal element to the incident, despite she being manhandled by the security guard with her phone taken away.  

“The report has been classified as ‘refer to magistrate’. There is no criminal offence involved, no elements of crime, no one was assaulted. 

“As such, the complainant can refer the case to the magistrate for civil action,” Qistina was reported as saying. 

On that note, Geramm said the proposed legislation should make it a criminal offence if someone make any threats, both verbal and physical, against journalists.  

“We also urge the Government to revive the media council which will govern reporters’ conduct and protect our rights, participated by all stakeholders,” it mentioned.  

Revive the media council  

On related matter, the National Union of Journalists Peninsula Malaysia (NUJM) said the police’s decision in not acting on the case was regrettable.  

“It’s upsetting that the authorities are not taking the media’s role and safety seriously. Harassment against journalists is not something new. 

“However, whenever such a thing happens, even the relevant ministry refuses to defend our rights. Are they waiting for something really bad to happen before action is taken?” asked its president Farah Marshita Abdul Patah.  

Reminding authorities that the media is the “voice and heart” of the people, Fatah said that preventing the press from reporting issues of public interest are akin to denying the people the right to information.  

“We urge the Government to uphold media freedom and revive the media council immediately,” Farah remarked.

In an update, the police had reclassified the case under the Penal Code and it was confirmed by Kuala Lumpur CID chief Habibi Majinji.

“Investigations will now be conducted under Section 160 of the Penal Code, which criminalises those involved in an ‘affray’.

“Violators can be jailed for up to six months, fined up to RM1,000 or both,” The Vibes reported him as saying. – May 17, 2022

https://focusmalaysia.my/harassment-on-media-enact-laws-to-protect-journalists-groups-tell-the-govt/