SIBU: The role of professional journalists is increasingly vital in ensuring the dissemination of accurate and credible information, particularly in today’s fast-paced and challenging digital age.
Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Alice Lau said the public’s heavy reliance on social media has made news delivery more open, but at the same time has contributed to the rise in the spread of false information.
“Today, anyone can share content on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, but that does not make them journalists. Professional journalists are trained to verify facts and present fair and balanced reports.”
Lau said this during the Gawai Dayak celebration, which also saw the appointment of the new Sibu Journalists Association (SJA) committee for the 2025-2027 term, held at a hotel here last night (June 10).
Lau, who is also the Lanang MP, stressed that although social media is growing in popularity, mainstream media such as newspapers and official broadcasters like RTM remain the main reference sources for the public due to the accuracy and depth of their reporting.
“Just as not everyone who can cook is a chef, not everyone who shares news on social media can replace professional journalists.”
Meanwhile, she shared uplifting news regarding an additional allocation of RM1 million to the Tabung Kasih @ HAWANA fund by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, which she said demonstrates the government’s commitment to the welfare of media practitioners in the country.
The newly appointed SJA chairperson, Florence Nervyn, called on her leadership team to continue serving with dedication and strong spirit in upholding journalistic ethics.
“Since 1993, SJA has not just been an organisation, but a family devoted to educating and informing the Sibu community,” she said.
Florence also appealed to the elected representatives, community leaders as well as companies and agencies throughout the town to continue their support of SJA’s programmes and initiatives.
“Your moral and financial support empowers us to organise training workshops, media literacy campaigns, youth engagement programmes, and platforms to strengthen media-community relations.
“With your support, we in SJA can do even more for the betterment of Sibu and Sarawak,” she added.
Also present were Sibu MP Oscar Ling, Bawang Assan assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng, and organising chairman Akun Giman.
