Social media account operators have been warned against taking or reposting news content produced by mainstream media organisations without permission or proper acknowledgement.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said his ministry had received complaints about individuals using journalists’ work without crediting the media organisations responsible for producing the reports.
He stressed that such practices were irresponsible, given the time, effort and commitment required from journalists to gather news and carry out assignments on the ground.
“This is a reminder, particularly to social media account operators, not to take content from mainstream or official media outlets without the consent and permission of those who produced the news.
“We do not want anyone taking advantage of the hard work put in by our media colleagues,” he said.
Fahmi was speaking to reporters after visiting the Main Media Centre for the 16th Melaka State Election (PRN) today.
He said journalists who discover their work has been copied or used without permission could lodge complaints with the Malaysian Media Council (MMM).
Complaints could also be submitted to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) if the alleged infringement involved social media platforms, he added.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said all 39 National Information Dissemination Centres (NADI) in Melaka had been opened to provide support for media practitioners throughout the state election period.
He also reminded all candidates contesting in the election to respect media personnel carrying out their duties during the campaign period.
“Any incident that could compromise the safety or comfort of media personnel must be reported to the authorities immediately,” he said.
