'Media practitioners must be cautious, sensitive when covering MH17 events'

Media practitioners must be cautious and not pressure the next-of-kin of victims who perished in the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Flight MH17 tragedy to the extent of causing disharmony when carrying out their duties, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Wee Ka Siong.

Wee said media organisations must understand the situation of the families and next-of-kin of the victims who are still in a state of trauma as a result of the loss of their loved ones, and some are not familiar with media coverage and such situations that can be deemed an infringement by them.

In expressing regret over the incident where a New Straits Times (NST) photographer, Mohd Aizuddin Akmal Saad, 29, was punched by a family member of a MH17 victim at the Nirvana Memorial Centre in Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur Tuesday, Wee said the incident was not warranted.

"I hope the next-of-kin and family members can control their emotion. Journalists and photographers are only carrying out their duties. Act in a civilised manner and not use violence. It cannot be accepted,” he told reporters here Wednesday.

Wee said the case had been handed over to the police for further action.

In the incident at 10.45am, Mohd Aizuddin was punched in the face by a family member of the crash victim, injuring his nose.

Mohd Aizuddin later lodged a police report at the Sungai Besi police station.