KUCHING: Restoring peace is far more difficult than maintaining it, hence it is imperative that no one takes for granted the prevailing peace in the country.
In this respect, the media, on its part, must therefore strictly comply with Home Ministry (KDN) guidelines and the Printing Presses and Publications Act (AMCP) 1984.
In stating this, the ministry’s Publishing Regulatory Section, Enforcement and Control Division chief, Sahubar Ibrahim Ismail Gan pointed out that these guidelines are not meant to restrict media creativity.
They serve as safeguards to ensure safety, harmony and public order, he said during a briefing for Suara Sarawak and New Sarawak Tribune here Monday (Nov 17).
“The threats in publications today are increasingly complex involving issues of morality, ideology, national security, unlawful content, as well as materials that can mislead the public or undermine national interests,” he warned.
In this context he said Sarawak’s being a peaceful and prosperous state was a privilege that must be protected collectively.
“When we observe the turmoil in other countries, only then do we realise how valuable the peace we enjoy truly is.
“The phrase ‘Sarawak Maju Makmur’ is more than just a slogan; it reflects reality and the hope that this harmony will continue,” he added.
During the briefing Sahubar explained that under the AMCP 1984, a ‘newspaper’ is defined as any periodical publication containing news, reports or commentary, including magazines and comics.
He pointed to several types of content prohibited in publications, such as politically, racially or economically seditious elements; the use of Islamic terms in non-Islamic publications; Quranic verses printed in scripts other than Arabic except for translations; mystical or religious content that contradicts Islamic teachings; comics promoting gangster culture; hadith quotations without authentic sources; and detailed reporting of serious criminal cases.
He also stressed that the identities of children involved in criminal cases must not be disclosed, in line with Section 15(2)(a) and (b) of the Child Act 2001.
Sahubar also reminded that sensitive issues, including negative comparisons between Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia, should be handled carefully as provocative content may lead to undesirable consequences.
