Ayer Keroh:Melaka Candidates contesting in the 16th Melaka state election have been advised to respect and appreciate the presence of media practitioners throughout the campaign period, according to Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi emphasized the importance of media practitioners lodging police reports promptly if they encounter any uncomfortable situations while performing their duties. He also encouraged them to report any instances of content plagiarism or unauthorized use to the Malaysian Media Council.

Fahmi stated, "We do not want any party stealing information or content from a media organization without giving credit or acknowledging the source." This statement was made during a press briefing after Fahmi visited the Communications Ministry's media center at a hotel in Ayer Keroh. The visit also included Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah and Information Department director-general Erwin Khairul Ahmad.

The 16th Melaka state polls commenced with the nomination of candidates, with early voting scheduled for November 10 and polling on November 14, following the dissolution of the state legislative assembly on September 23.

Fahmi further mentioned that apart from the main media center in Ayer Keroh, 39 National Information Dissemination Centres across Melaka have been designated as media centers. These centers are intended to facilitate media practitioners in their duties and serve as rest areas between assignments.

Additionally, a Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) complaints counter has been set up to assist media personnel facing internet connectivity issues. Fahmi also encouraged media practitioners to download the MCMC Nexus application to report 'blind spots' in Melaka, aiming to improve connectivity in those areas.