Sabah Information Department staff reminded on news values
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025
Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025 Text Size: Jainisah (seated front left) with Diana (seated right) and course participants. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Information Department (Japen) staff are urged to consistently uphold ethical standards and act responsibly in disseminating information. Its Director Jainisah Mohd Noor said every member must ensure that any information shared with the public is accurate, ethical and does not touch on racial, religious or royal institution sensitivities, in line with efforts to maintain national harmony and unity. 'In today's increasingly challenging communication landscape, mastery of mobile journalism (Mojo) must be balanced with a deep understanding of ethical standards and relevant laws. 'Mojo is now a trend and anyone can become a news sharer, whether through short videos, photos or social media posts. 'However, not everyone understands the great responsibility that comes with this convenience. We must not chase virality at the expense of truth and accountability,' she said when officiating the Basic Journalism Ethics in Mobile Journalism (Mojo) course closing ceremony at the Communication Ministry's Integrated Complex here Tuesday. The one-day course, organised by Japen Sabah's Media and Corporate Communication Division (MKK), involved 30 participants. It focused on producing news, media statements and quality images, while strengthening values such as integrity, social sensitivity and legal awareness – particularly regarding key laws such as the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, Sedition Act 1948, Defamation Act 1957, Official Secrets Act 1972 and the Child Act 2001. Jainisah said although technologies such as smartphones and artificial intelligence (AI) applications offer extraordinary ease in producing media content, they also carry the risk of misuse if not accompanied by self-regulation and legal awareness. 'As civil servants, we cannot recklessly disseminate information, especially on sensitive issues. 'One misstep could lead to serious legal consequences, including life imprisonment under the Official Secrets Act 1972,' she stressed. She also reminded participants to comply with the provisions of the Child Act 2001 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Malaysia has ratified since 1995. Jainisah encouraged her team to use social media positively, turning digital platforms into channels for spreading good values and strengthening unity among Sabah's multi-ethnic communities in particular, and across Malaysia more broadly. Also present were Japen Sabah's MKK Division Senior Assistant Director Dr Diana Dominic and Siti Mariam Datuk Aziz, Senior Assistant Director of the Protocol Division. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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