Thirty years ago, Peter Wee, Mukah lad, stepped into Sibu with a suitcase full of dreams and a heart set on becoming a professional singer.
But life, as it often does, has its own melody for him to follow as to support his journey in the entertainment industry, Wee decided to pick up a part-time job as a reporter for a Chinese newspaper.
Little did the Chinese-Melanau-born know, that side hustle would strike a chord deeper than music ever could, igniting a passion for storytelling that would redefine his destiny and anchor him firmly in the world of journalism.
“When I came to Sibu more than 30 years ago, I worked as a DJ and resident singer in some restaurants in the evening.
“In order to increase my income, I applied for a morning shift job at a Chinese newspaper, and the newspaper arranged for me to be a reporter,” he said.
Early encounter in the world of journalism
With no prior knowledge of news writing, Wee began his journey by learning everything from scratch while exploring the storytelling genre that best suited him.
“In the beginning, I read a lot of newspapers and articles written by others, both locally and internationally. That’s how I taught myself to write news,” he said.
Wee initially dabbled in covering court, sports, general, and crime stories before deciding to focus on crime reporting, which he found the most challenging.
“Time flies, and now I have been in the media industry for 32 years, with over 20 years dedicated to covering crime news,” he added.
Entering the world of crime reporting
Crime stories often leave a lasting emotional mark, not only due to the chilling scenes but also the gut-wrenching sound of loved ones grieving their loss.
Wee revealed that some cases go beyond the gruesome details, unearthing uncomfortable truths that are hard to forget.
“There are two cases in Sibu that continue to haunt me. Both involved the brutal murder of an entire family. It was not just the lifeless body of an adult I saw, but also the tiny, innocent bodies of their children.
“Honestly, it is heart-wrenching to see a young child, so full of life, fall victim to such senseless violence, while relatives sob uncontrollably at the crime scene,” he said.
Life as a crime reporter
Unlike stories from general, social and sports reporting, which usually follow a schedule and are part of a programme, crime reporters need to be on standby 24-hours a day because crimes can happen anytime and anywhere.
“In between, sometimes we just hang out at the police station, and if we hear sirens or see police vehicles, we follow them.
“Apart from that, we just write or follow up on the big cases that happened in the past few days by contacting law enforcement and authorities to get accurate information,” he added.
He stressed that by being at the crime scene, reporters gather clearer and more accurate information about the crime.
Crime reporting: Now and before
With the world rapidly digitising, information is now just a tap away, often delivered straight to our smartphones by the police or Fire and Rescue Department, making the need to visit crime scenes almost obsolete.
However, Wee stressed that some seasoned journalists still cling to the old ways, refusing to let go of their tradition of being on-site, especially when it comes to major cases.
“I cannot just sit back and wait for updates. As soon as a case is confirmed, I head straight to the scene. It is the only way to truly grasp the situation and report back accurately to my editor,” he said.
In an age where online news can be as misleading as it is informative, Wee believes that being at the crime scene gives him a distinct advantage.
“By going there in person, I gather firsthand information, prepare more thoroughly, and avoid the pitfalls of false reports,” he added.
Going beyond Sarawak
One of the most unforgettable and challenging assignments Wee faced was when he was sent to Indonesia to cover the massive haze crisis for a week, just a week after becoming a father.
“My eldest daughter was born, and just a week later, I had to fly to Indonesia to report on the haze. It was not only about leaving my family behind, but more about heading to a place I was not familiar with,” he recalled.
“I was the only reporter from Sarawak, but fortunately, I was not the only one from Malaysia. I got to work alongside reporters from other media outlets across the country,” he added.
Wee emphasised that being a reporter is all about the connections you make and the people you meet.
“Especially in crime reporting, where information is often hard to come by. Your contacts and resources become crucial,” he said.
Lessons learned from the daily grind
Wee shared that working as a reporter, particularly in crime reporting, gives you a whole new perspective on life.
Although reporters develop the courage to face gruesome and heartbreaking scenes, these experiences also soften the heart and fill it with empathy.
Unlike other types of reporting, where you are covering events or tournaments, crime reporters often find themselves in the most unexpected places at the most unexpected times.
“There was this one time when another crime reporter and I were at the police station. We overheard an 80-year-old woman lodging a report about her son blackmailing her for money.
“After she filed the report, the police told her to go home and call them if her son showed up. But the woman was too scared and did not want to go back.
“We offered her a ride and suggested she hide in our car. Once we confirmed the son was at home, we called the police, and he was arrested,” he said.
Wee stressed that being a reporter is not just about chasing the next story; it is also about making a difference in people’s lives, not only through our words but also through our actions.
Advice for future crime reporters
Wee emphasised the importance of journalists maintaining objectivity and avoiding bias in their reporting.
“Relying on a single source is never enough; to uncover the truth, reporters must listen to multiple voices and gather information from every angle,” he said.
For future crime reporters, he offered a crucial piece of advice: tread carefully when covering sensitive stories.
“Words can carry immense weight, and it’s important to avoid language that could hurt victims and their families,” he advice.
He singled out suicide cases, urging the media to exercise extreme caution.
“Suicide should never be sensationalised. Focusing too much on the details can inadvertently glamorise it, especially for those who are emotionally vulnerable. This can sadly trigger a ripple effect, leading to more tragedies,” he added.
Wee also spoke about the deeper value of being a reporter.
“Journalism is not just about chasing breaking news; it is about seeing life from a unique perspective.
“As a reporter, you are in a position to notice things others might miss. Sometimes, all it takes is a moment to look around. You might find someone in need of help, silently screaming for attention.
“I always remind myself to help them first. The story will follow,” he said.
