KUALA LUMPUR – Haresh Deol, the co-founder of Kuala Lumpur-based news outlet Twentytwo13, was reportedly assaulted this afternoon.
In a post on social media platform X, the deputy president of the National Press Club of Malaysia (NPC) shared that he had lodged a police report following the attack.
"I've just been attacked by two individuals, with another taking a video of myself being attacked," Haresh wrote. "I have just lodged a police report."
Though Haresh did not provide specifics of the incident, his colleague and business partner, Pearl Lee, confirmed it occurred in Bangsar this afternoon.
I've just been attacked by two individuals, with another taking a video of myself being attacked.
I have just lodged a police report.
— Haresh Deol 🇲🇾 (@HareshDeol) November 25, 2025
"This is a first in his 25-year career as a journalist. May there be justice!!!" Lee added, sharing Haresh’s update.
NPC president Datuk Ahirudin Attan, known as Rocky Bru, strongly condemned the assault on Haresh.
"The attack on Haresh is cowardly and sick," Ahirudin, who also serves as executive director at Big Boom Media, which publishes Scoop, said.
Scoop has reached out to Haresh for further details on the incident.
Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) has condemned the assault in the strongest terms, calling for an immediate and transparent investigation. The media group, which advocates for press freedom, emphasised that acts of violence and intimidation against journalists threaten the fundamental principles of democracy and press freedom.
"Physical attacks on journalists not only endanger individual safety but also undermine the public’s right to accurate and pressure-free information," Geramm said in a statement.
Geramm further called on the police to investigate the incident promptly, identify the motives behind the attack, and take decisive action against the perpetrators. The group also urged authorities to ensure the safety of media personnel when covering issues of public interest.
In addition, Geramm appealed to political leaders and the general public to recognise the importance of the press and refrain from targeting journalists with threats or violence. - November 25, 2025
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