KUCHING: Personal safety and strategic planning were highlighted as key priorities for journalists undertaking overseas assignments.
A workshop shared practical experiences from international reporting, including coverage of foreign leaders’ visits, global summits and high-risk overseas environments.
“Journalists must never compromise safety, especially when operating in unfamiliar or potentially hazardous locations abroad,” said Datuk Dr Chamil Wariya.
Veteran journalist and former Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) chief executive officer said this during a foreign coverage workshop at Theater Hotel here on Monday (Jan 26).
He shared lessons learned from assignments across Europe, the Middle East and conflict-sensitive regions throughout his extensive journalism career.
“Among safety reminders were maintaining valid travel documents, informing Malaysian embassies of movements and wearing visible media identification during fieldwork.
“Journalists were also advised to remain alert to cultural norms to avoid misunderstandings that could jeopardise personal safety or reporting access.”
Beyond safety, Chamil urged journalists to broaden foreign coverage beyond protocol-driven official visits and ceremonial events.
He also encouraged pursuing exclusive interviews and human-interest stories that resonate with Sarawak audiences.
He said such approaches could position Sarawak Tribune and Suara Sarawak as a credible regional voice within Borneo and the wider Nusantara.
