Publishing errors should be resolved constructively - Malaysian Media Council

SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian Media Council said the recent publication error by Sinar Harian involving the profile of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail should be addressed through a constructive approach.

"Mistakes, while regrettable, can and do happen in any profession. What matters is how they are addressed. The media must, in turn, respond to such lapses with transparency, humility and a commitment to improve," it said in a statement, today.

The council was responding to concerns over an error made by the Malay-language daily in its coverage of the newly appointed IGP.

The publication has since apologised and requested a meeting with the top cop, who has reportedly agreed to the request.

The council affirmed that all media must be held accountable for their content.

"Newsrooms should have robust operating procedures aligned with media ethics and professional journalism standards.

"Upholding these principles is essential to maintaining public trust and the integrity of the profession," it said.

It also cautioned against the use of heavy-handed or disproportionate measures by authorities in responding to such errors adding that invoking punitive laws to penalise the press undermined media freedom.

The remedy for flawed journalism is better journalism and not intimidation or suppression, it said.

While acknowledging that media organisations were bound by the responsibility to report accurately and ethically, the council said it was important for mistakes to be handled "constructively and within the proper frameworks."

Although the Media Council is not yet formally constituted, the statement reaffirmed its commitment to responsible journalism and the importance of fact-checking, especially when reporting on key national institutions.

"The Malaysian Media Council is committed to fostering a media environment that respects freedom of expression within the bounds of professional, responsible and ethical journalism.

"We believe that constructive accountability—rather than punitive control—is the best way to build a stronger, more trustworthy media landscape in Malaysia," it said.

A police report was lodged by Sinar Harian regarding the publication of the infographic at the Sri Muda Police Station in Shah Alam on June 21.

Earlier, it was reported that Khalid denied having any political affiliation in his 38-year career with the police force, following public confusion caused by a misleading infographic that incorrectly linked him to a political party.

Khalid remained composed about the matter and confirmed that the media outlet responsible had contacted him to arrange a meeting.

On June 22, Sinar Harian publicly acknowledged the mistake in an infographic that incorrectly identified the IGP as a member of a political party.

The error occurred when a staff member from the Social Media Unit reused an old design template, resulting in misleading content.

Sinar Harian had also lodged a police report and initiated an internal investigation to determine whether sabotage had occurred.

The staff member involved, along with the supervisor, were temporarily suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

The media outlet also pledged to improve editorial quality control and standard operating procedures to prevent such incidents in the future.