Kuala lumpur: Local and international media practitioners began gathering at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) today in conjunction with the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings, which run from Tuesday until July 11.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, most members of the media arrived as early as 8 am to collect their accreditation passes and cover the media walkabout on facilities and logistics conducted by representatives from the Foreign Ministry. The media was also taken on a tour of the International Media Centre (IMC), located in Hall 5 of KLCC, which offers a workspace, high-speed internet access via LAN and Wi-Fi, and hotel-standard catering.

Zul Izwan Hamzah, Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Corporate Communication Unit, provided a briefing to media representatives during a site visit at KLCC, offering insights into the facilities and preparations ahead of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings, set to take place from July 8 to 11.

Mohammad Fikri Ali, a representative from RT, noted the preparations at the IMC by Bernama, in its role as IMC coordinator, as well-organised and systematic. He mentioned that despite last-minute registration, the process was efficient, and communications with ministry officials were smooth. The walkabout provided clarity, especially for first-time participants.

Meanwhile, Lok Sai Mun from Sin Chew Daily stated that the facilities at the IMC met the needs of media practitioners effectively. She expressed satisfaction with the preparations and facilities, noting a few new additions and expressing hope for smooth proceedings during the meetings.

IMC coordinator Zaria Mohd Nasri highlighted that nearly 1,000 media personnel from local and international organisations are expected to cover the meetings. As head of the Media Secretariat, she affirmed Bernama’s commitment to ensuring smooth setup and operations of the media and secretariat workspaces.

Zaria also mentioned the provision of online platforms for media access to event photos and ASEAN news. A total of 24 meetings at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ level will be held, including those with ASEAN Dialogue Partners, ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partners, and the ASEAN Secretariat. Around 1,500 delegates, including foreign ministers from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste, are expected to attend.

Additionally, Malaysia will host the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD IV), focusing on reconstruction efforts in Gaza. This marks Malaysia’s fifth time as ASEAN Chair after holding the role in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.