Kuala Lumpur:The Malaysian Media Council (MMM) and the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF) have called on media organizations, content creators, and the public to practice compassion and restraint when dealing with content related to death, tragedy, and bereavement.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the two bodies issued a joint statement reminding that grief is a personal experience and should be handled with sensitivity, especially concerning affected individuals and their families.
In today's digital age, where photos and videos can rapidly circulate, the organizations emphasized the importance of respecting the dignity and privacy of those involved before recording, publishing, or sharing such content.
MMM and CMCF highlighted that these values are embodied in the MMM Code of Conduct and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Content Code, which advocate for responsible content practices and respect for privacy and human dignity.
The organizations urged those covering or sharing tragic events to allow grieving individuals and families appropriate space, especially during private moments like funerals and prayers. They also discouraged intrusive recording or photography where privacy is expected and encouraged honoring requests to cease filming or sharing.
The public was advised to avoid sensational descriptions of emotional states and to reconsider sharing distressing images or videos, questioning whether such actions serve the public interest or infringe on private moments.
The statement stressed that with the ability to share content comes the responsibility to exercise judgment, balancing public interest with compassion.
Finally, MMM and CMCF pledged to collaborate with the media and the public to promote responsible content practices in Malaysia, fostering a credible and respectful media environment. Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil also made a similar appeal for decorum in content creation, especially regarding recent events involving Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.