CYBERJAYA, Dec 22: The Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) has called on those reporting on natural disasters, humanitarian crisis and tragedies to do so in line with the ethics set for them, including ensuring the facts, and observing the cultural sensitivities involved and international relations in the event of cross-border events or issues.
Making this call, President of MPI, Datuk Yong Soo Heong said the media not only had the important responsibility of delivering information to society but also played a role in shaping public understanding, while protecting the dignity of victims and ensuring the harmony of bilateral and regional relations.
“During a natural disaster and humanitarian crisis, it is imperative that press coverages are not too emotionally driven or by sensational narratives that could trigger misunderstanding. It must be trustworthy, factual and with thorough understanding of what the realities on ground,” he was quoted saying in a statement issued by MPI on Sunday.
Referring to the recent natural disaster in Sumatra, Indonesia, and the Indonesian government that chose to decline external assistance, Yong said the media should exercise more caution and taken on more responsibility to ensure that their narratives do not cause misunderstandings or negative perceptions.
He said cross-border reports that are accurate and balanced will be important in ensuring that the people get the correct information while the good relations and understanding between two neighbouring countries with shared history, culture and strategic regional interest is maintained.
“Malaysian media covering the natural disaster should retain high ethical standards while being sensitive to the tragedies that have taken place in Acheh and other districts in northern Sumatera and respectful of policies and decisions made by the Indonesian government,” he said.
.Local media practitioners must ensure that their reports respect the bilateral relations enjoyed by the two countries as well as have empathy and share the responsibility of delivering accurate news on the disaster and humanitarian crisis being faced there.
Yong said, the institution through its professional training programmes always stressed on the importance of understanding the issue at hand, any diplomatic implications involved and being responsible on the social media platforms for every reports related to crisis and tragedies.
Journalists with high ethics and integrity must also give importance to humanitarian values, have empathy as well be socially responsible with their reporting, he said.
The media should be a channel to unite, build understanding and strengthen the people’s trust during hard times, he added.
— WE