MIRI: Local journalists have come in for praise for the role in keeping the public informed on the Covid-19 pandemic.
This, according State Transport Minister Datuk Sri Lee Kim Shin, has helped in building the public’s trust and in correcting fake news.
Speaking at the Miri City Council’s (MCC) Media Night event here on Sunday, he said despite the proliferation of digital media on the social online platform, the role of mainstream media was undeniably still crucial.
Citing the Covid-19 pandemic in Sarawak, particularly in Miri, Lee said during the last two years of combating the disease, local media had played a very crucial role by disseminating factual information to the public to help them understand the situation.
“They have been doing responsible reporting, fact-checking reports on the Covid-19 situation … thank you for your support,” he said.
He added, this fact-checking also helped the government or local authorities in resolving problems or things that required explanation to the people.
“We need to have positive, constructive and responsible media reporting culture for the betterment of our society,” he said, reminding media practitioners to continue upholding good journalism ethics.
Meanwhile, to the public here, Lee has advised them to raise whatever doubts or problems that required explanation from the council through a proper channel to enable them (the council) to help resolve these amiably.
Also present at the gathering were Assistant Minister I of Tourism,Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang, his deputy Julaihi Mohamad, the event organising chairman Bhagwan Singh, Northern Sarawak Journalist Association (NSJA) president Andy Jong Wan Joon and some 20 local media practitioners.
