PUTRAJAYA, May 16 — Media practitioners must consult the Foreign Ministry before participating in humanitarian missions organised by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), especially in turbulent countries, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He said this would ensure the safety of media personnel and prevent untoward incidents.
“We (media practitioners) must refer to Wisma Putra because there are usually guidelines provided. The Communications Ministry wants media personnel who want to participate in such programmes to prioritise safety and their right to report.
“We want to ensure they do not face any problems in carrying out their duties. Safety and the freedom to report from the field are our priorities,” he said after attending the ministry’s 2023 Excellent Service Award ceremony for Peninsular Zone here today.
Fahmi was asked about a video shared by the Instagram account @capricedaddycap yesterday, which referred to a group of health workers from an NGO being reportedly stranded in Rafah, Gaza.
In the caption of the video, the influencer asked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Fahmi, and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan to help seven health workers leave Rafah as the situation there was getting dangerous.
“I have not received detailed information from Wisma Putra yet. God willing, we will first refer to them to determine the status and what actions can be taken. However, it is noted that the safety of Malaysian citizens in such situations is indeed a concern for Wisma Putra,” Fahmi said.
— Bernama
