Journalists are unsung heroes, brave danger to deliver news - Mohammad

KUALA LUMPUR: Journalists are unsung heroes who brave dangers to deliver news to the public, says Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (K-KOMM) secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohammad Mentek.

He said since 1992, as many as 1,500 journalists around the world had been killed while on duty, and becoming one required courage, determination and commitment to provide news in a timely manner.

"We always appreciate all the sacrifices given by journalists. During my time (on duty) at ESSCom previously, when a kidnapping occurred at 2 am, I already got calls at 2.30 am from journalists to get the latest information to be presented to the community.

"In fact, even during operations, come rain or shine, they would come along on the boat to head to the islands," he said during the 'Ruang Bicara' programme broadcast on Bernama TV today.

The show was titled "People's Voice, National Aspiration", which is the theme of the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2022 celebration in Melaka this Sunday (May 29).

Asked whether the reports presented by the government's official media were still relevant and convincing, he said Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) offered authentic and authoritative news and information.

He added that the alternative media still relied on RTM and Bernama and used these two sources as references.

-- BERNAMA