Malaysia Media Council Act Seen As Boost To Journalism Standards
KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Media Council (MMC) Act, which takes effect today, has been welcomed by journalists as a long-anticipated step toward strengthening professionalism and integrity in the country's media landscape.
Following the announcement of the council's 12-member founding board, media practitioners expressed hope that the body would serve as more than symbolic reform, offering real direction for the industry.
Mohamad Athir Ismail of Utusan Malaysia in Selangor said the council's formation affirms its role as an accreditation body for journalists and photojournalists, similar to professional regulators like the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and the Malaysian Institute of Accountants.
'This is crucial to ensuring the accuracy of information and the credibility of sources, especially in countering the spread of misinformation on social media,' he said.
He added that the council could also offer protection to media professionals and outlets facing legal or public scrutiny over their reporting, whether in print or digital formats.
Mohd Yunus Yakkub of Kosmo! Selangor said the council could serve as a springboard for greater press freedom, provided it maintains independence.
'I hope it won't become another instrument of control. It should also help guide journalists in producing more responsible reporting,' he said.
Nor Ainna Hamzah, from Kosmo! Negeri Sembilan described the initiative as timely, given the mounting pressures on journalistic integrity.
She welcomed the appointment of media practitioners to the board, saying their industry experience would help shape ethical and governance standards.
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