ID :
34706
Tue, 12/09/2008 - 18:37
Auther :

MEDIA REMINDED TO BE ACCURATE

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Information Minister Shabery Cheek Monday reminded the media to be fast and accurate in their reporting, especially on tragedies, for the good of all quarters.

He said reports made "hurriedly, that is fast but not accurate, can lead to

bad consequences."

Shabery, who is also Deputy Chairman of the National Disaster and
Relief
Management Committee, however expressed his satisfaction on media reports made
"without any speculation" on the Bukit Antarabangsa landslide that struck early
Saturday morning at Taman Bukit Mewah and Taman Bukit Utama.

He also called for more graphic reports to give a clearer picture of the
tragedy.

Speaking to reporters at the scene Monday, Shabery said the media did
not only give reports of the tragedy but also of the army's efforts to build a
bridge to provide safe passage for residents who had to evacuate but were
cut-off due to the only exit route collapsing.

He said this showed that the military was not only capable of defending
the
country but also had various other expertise, including building bridges fast
and efficiently.

Shabery, who also performed Aidiladha prayers at the Addiniah surau together
with local residents and search and rescue (SAR) personnel this morning, said he
was proud of the support from various quarters to help victims, including
providing food and setting up a free food stall.

"Various forms of support, including prayers, by the people gives will
power
and hope to victims to face the tragedy in a calmer manner," he said.

He was also pleased with the RTM Disaster Unit that was set up recently in
their coverage where they made 26 breaking news reports since Saturday.

Shabery said the unit was actually to be launched on Jan 1 but was capable
of doing their job without considering the time, tiredness and situation on the
disaster including floods on the East Coast.


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