KUALA LUMPUR — The RM100,000 fines recently imposed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on Sin Chew Daily and Sinar Harian could severely damage the already fragile media industry and hinder the advancement of journalism in the country, said the Editor's Association of Chinese Medium of Malaysia.
In a statement, the association raised concerns that such punitive actions could have a chilling effect on press freedom, particularly at a time when newsrooms are grappling with immense pressure.
“When unintentional mistakes occur in reporting, if the authorities choose to respond with punitive measures rather than offer space and opportunities for tolerance and improvement, it will only dishearten journalists, leaving them feeling insecure and fearful that any inadvertent error could lead to endless reprisals and punishment,” the association said.
The group also stressed that the errors committed by Sin Chew and Sinar were unintentional, criticising the government’s response.
The association suggested that imposing severe penalties instead of recognising the challenges journalists face may seem lacking in empathy, which could demoralise media professionals.
Sin Chew, for its part, moved quickly to address the mistake, the association noted, adding that it issued a public apology in three languages and took internal disciplinary measures.
However, the association questioned whether such swift actions would suffice in the eyes of the authorities.
In light of this, the association called for a more constructive and cooperative approach to media regulation.
“Rather than relying solely on hefty fines, the authorities should adopt a spirit of cooperation, working alongside the media industry to find more effective ways to improve practices and provide training,” the statement read.
“Only through mutual trust and understanding can we ensure that the media continues to play its essential role in social oversight and protecting the public’s right to know.”
Earlier today, the MCMC announced the fines, which were imposed on two of the country’s major media groups following separate incidents involving the misrepresentation of national symbols and inaccurate reporting about the police chief.
The fines were levied against Sin Chew Media Corporation Berhad and Sinar Karangkraf Sdn Bhd after receiving approval from the Attorney General’s Chambers.
Sin Chew’s penalty resulted from an April incident when the newspaper published an illustration of the Jalur Gemilang — Malaysia's national flag — without the crescent moon, a critical symbol of Islam. The illustration appeared in coverage of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit, prompting widespread public outrage and strong condemnation from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, who labelled the omission as “unacceptable.”
The newspaper issued an apology, attributing the mistake to a technical error, and suspended senior editorial staff while an investigation took place.
Meanwhile, Sinar was penalised for a June Instagram post that incorrectly depicted newly appointed Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail’s professional background, falsely suggesting his involvement in local politics.
The error led to clarifications from both the Royal Malaysia Police and the political party in question, with the IGP himself emphasising that he had never been involved in politics during his nearly 40 years of service.
Sinar later apologised for the post and suspended the responsible staff member.
The MCMC said that the investigations were conducted under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, with the fines issued under Section 243 of the same law.
The regulator stressed that the Jalur Gemilang is a symbol of national sovereignty, unity, and dignity that must always be accurately represented. It also cautioned that spreading false information about national security institutions could undermine public order and erode trust in authorities.
“All media organisations and social media users are reminded to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of published content, especially when it involves official national symbols and institutions,” the MCMC said in its statement.
The commission further noted that it would continue to strengthen enforcement efforts and roll out digital literacy initiatives to uphold national harmony and stability. - September 19, 2025
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