Malaysian Media Council pro-tem chairperson Premesh Chandran decried the lack of access provided to the media during the Kampung Sungai Baru eviction this morning.
The Malaysiakini co-founder said while he respects the police, the media should have been provided access so it could perform its role of objective reporting in events of public interest.
"Such reporting will ensure transparency and accountability of all parties, and allow the public to receive trusted accounts of events, rather than relying on unsourced information being circulated online," he said in a statement today.
This was especially important in the artificial intelligence (AI) era, he added.
He suggested that the police work closely with the media council and media to ensure that both reporting and public order can be preserved.
Access denied
This morning, the police denied access to the village without a special pass, as they intended to prevent provocations and unwanted incidents.
Dang Wangi district police chief Suzilme Affendy Sulaiman sustained injuries during an altercation that broke out during the operation.
He is understood to have been hurt when chaos broke out after several disgruntled residents attempted to force their way into the area.
The operation, which also involved the cutting of electricity supply, began early this morning and was led by court bailiffs in cooperation with several related agencies.
When riot police blocked the disgruntled residents, they resorted to hurling objects, including stones, at the authorities. Suzilme is believed to have been struck by one of the projectiles.
Today’s eviction is the authorities’ second attempt since July to oust 14 residents in the enclave, which is adjacent to Kampung Baru.
The eviction, which is being carried out via court order, is to facilitate KL City Gateway Sdn Bhd’s redevelopment of the area.
The majority of residents have moved out after accepting a buyout deal from the company. - Mkini
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