KUCHING, Feb 8: Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA) Sarawak, Federation of Sarawak Journalists Association (FSJA), Journalists Association of Kuching Division (KDJA) and Sarawak Press Photographers Association (SPPA) today refuted the claims of certain quarters criticising the media for not doing enough to report the flood situation in Sarawak.
The four organisations issued a joint press statement in response to criticism hurled at local TV stations and newspapers for purportedly not carrying news related to government disaster relief activities, and failure to report about the flooded areas in Sarawak.
The four organisations refuted these criticisms and advised the local media to remain calm and to continue with their coverage despite these heavy criticisms.
The statement also advised local journalists to obtain verified information only from the relevant authorities and reliable sources despite facing difficulties in reaching inundated locations.
“We are not racing with netizens and keyboard warriors. Our ethic is to ensure accurate information which might take time to obtain. We have been carrying flood-related news from day one.
“With close cooperation from various agencies and authorities in the state Disaster Management Committee as well as reliable information from the people at large in particular the flood affected victims, we will continue to carry out our work professionally,” the statement said. — DayakDaily
