Latest news with #NurAfiradinaArshad
Barnama
2 days ago
- Barnama
'Sea Guardians' Risk Lives To Safeguard Country's Sovereignty
By Nur Afiradina Arshad LUMUT, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- For Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) personnel, the sea is more than a workplace - it is a daily battlefield that calls for courage, sacrifice, and enduring time apart from loved ones in safeguarding the country's security and sovereignty. The unwavering struggle of Malaysia's 'sea guardians' along its waters stands as a testament to their patriotism and determination to keep the country peaceful and prosperous. 'All these efforts are to ensure that no party can easily encroach into our waters or commit maritime crimes, which could ultimately threaten national security,' Perak MMEA director Maritime Captain Mohamad Shukri Khotob told Bernama recently. With nearly 20 years of service, Mohamad Shukri said the MMEA constantly faces a range of threats, including extortion, human smuggling, illegal fishing by foreign vessels, theft of marine resources, and encroachment into fishing zones by fishermen. He added that efforts to apprehend maritime criminals or investigate offences are often hampered when members of the local fishing community choose to remain silent, either to protect their livelihoods or out of fear that their boats may be seized by influential figures operating at sea. 'We have sought assistance from fishing boat operators to disguise themselves as ordinary fishermen, with enforcement officers on board to carry out operations. However, cooperation is rare, as fishermen fear that if criminals identify them, their vessels could be targeted,' he said. 'Boats are often stolen, damaged, or sabotaged in such cases. Given that a boat can cost tens of thousands of ringgit, these risks understandably cause great concern among fishermen,' he added. In Perak, which has a maritime area of about 12,000 square kilometres, Mohamad Shukri said the MMEA often receives reports of violations under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 from the maritime surveillance system (SWASLA) and the state Marine Department.
Barnama
25-05-2025
- Barnama
From Notebooks To Whatsapp: The Evolving Challenges And Duties Of Modern Journalists
Not too long ago, journalists relied heavily on pens, notebooks, and voice recorders. However, the technological boom has relegated these time-honoured tools of the journalism trade into oblivion, as they are replaced by artificial intelligence (AI) and the WhatsApp mobile application. By Nur Afiradina Arshad IPOH, May 25 (Bernama) -- Not too long ago, journalists relied heavily on pens, notebooks, and voice recorders. However, the technological boom has relegated these time-honoured tools of the journalism trade into oblivion, as they are replaced by artificial intelligence (AI) and the WhatsApp mobile application. But does this convenience make the job easier, or is there a hidden cost behind the speed of technology? Manjit Kaur, 49, a journalist with The Star Perak bureau, remains loyal to her reporter's notebook and pen, jotting down every piece of information she gathers during speeches at events, press conferences, or court proceedings. Manjit, a journalist since 2000 who proudly wears the 'old school' label, said that using notebooks and pens has never been a barrier to writing fast, concise, and accurate news while acknowledging the need to adapt to change. "In the past, journalists used small mobile phones, making it difficult to file stories like we do now. We had to return to the office to finish our stories using black-screened computers with green or white fonts and no spell check to help us type accurately," she told Bernama when contacted. Manjit said that WhatsApp group chats have made obtaining information and facts about incidents such as accidents or crimes easier, adding that journalists only need to verify the authenticity with the relevant authorities, such as the police or fire department. "This technology helps prevent journalists from being scooped by other media outlets. In the past, we would only realise we had missed a story when reading the newspapers the next day," she added. According to Sinar Harian Perak bureau chief Saifullah Ahmad, 40, the main challenges journalists face today are securing credible sources and tackling the spread of fake news on social media, adding that when the public unethically shares content, journalists from legitimate organisations find it challenging to obtain reliable information.
