KUCHING: The growing practice of reproducing news reports, photographs and other original media content without proper attribution is undermining journalistic credibility.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs and Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol said journalists are increasingly finding their reports, photographs and videos reused without due credit, stressing that professional standards should apply to anyone producing and sharing news or digital content, regardless of platform.
“Many journalists are disappointed when their work is copied without proper credit.
“We also need to educate those who claim to be journalists but are unfamiliar with professional ethics, including proper attribution for photographs and content,” he said during a press conference ahead of the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2026 at the UKAS Meeting Room today (July 13).
Abdullah said advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have made it easier to compile material from multiple sources into a single piece of content, making respect for originality and intellectual property more important than ever.
He said technology should never diminish the responsibility to acknowledge the work of others, adding that proper attribution remains fundamental to preserving the credibility of journalism.
Abdullah also expressed concern over individuals who present themselves as journalists without understanding the responsibilities and standards expected of the profession.
He said responsible journalism extends beyond accurate reporting to respecting copyright, acknowledging original work and remaining accountable to the public.
On a broader level, Abdullah urged the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to strengthen action against fake social media accounts and impersonation while ensuring fair treatment for legitimate content creators whose accounts are removed after years of building an online following.
He noted that many content creators invest significant time and effort in producing positive content, only to lose their platforms without clear justification.
Despite the rapid evolution of digital technology, Abdullah said safeguarding originality, giving due credit and upholding professional standards remain essential to maintaining public trust in journalism.
