Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Media Council (MMC) has stressed that the investigation process involving a journalist over alleged trespass at a factory construction site in the Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP), Kulim must be conducted transparently, professionally and with respect for journalists' right to perform their duties without undue interference or pressure.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the council emphasized that any action against journalists must be strictly assessed based on the principles of necessity and proportionality. It is crucial to clearly distinguish between actual legal violations and legitimate journalistic activities. The MMC underscored that journalistic work, including being present at the scene, making observations, and gathering information, is part of the legitimate function of the media in reporting issues of public interest.

The council's statement highlighted the need to carefully clarify the interpretation of 'trespass' in the context of news coverage to avoid criminalizing the work of journalists. The MMC has also committed to monitoring developments in the case to ensure fair treatment of media practitioners.

The statement also pointed out that the case raises broader questions regarding journalists' access to locations and events of public interest. It stressed the importance of clear guidelines between authorities and media practitioners to facilitate the work of journalists.

The media previously reported that a journalist from Tamil news portal Thinathanti, Kalidas Subramaniom, was detained by police at the Kulim district police headquarters (IPD) in connection with alleged trespass while covering issues related to undocumented migrants. Police have confirmed the arrest of 10 men, including the portal journalist, to assist in investigations into alleged trespass at the factory construction site last Wednesday.