Media Council Concerned Over Excessive Fines On Sin Chew Sinar

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The Malaysian Media Council has expressed “serious concern” over the RM100,000 fine imposed by the MCMC on Sin Chew Media Corporation Berhad and Sinar Karangkraf Sdn Bhd, warning that such heavy penalties risk fostering fear and self-censorship in newsrooms.
In a statement today, the council said while it recognised the importance of accuracy and respect for national symbols, the penalties were excessive and disproportionate to the alleged offences.
“Such heavy fines risk fostering a climate of fear and self-censorship among journalists and editors, which allows conditions that weaken the media’s core responsibility to inform the public and hold power to account,” it said.
The MCMC imposed an RM100,000 fine each on Sin Chew Media and Sinar Karangkraf following the Attorney-General’s Chambers’ authorisation.
In a statement today, the MCMC said an investigation was launched after Sin Chew Daily allegedly uploaded an incomplete display of the Jalur Gemilang on its website.
Separately, Sinar Harian was penalised for an infographic which wrongly stated that Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail was a PKR member.
Both outlets were investigated under Section 233 (1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and charged under Section 243 of the same law.
In its statement today, the council said while it acknowledged MCMC’s enforcement powers under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, it stressed that such action must be applied with balance and fairness.
It said inadvertent mistakes, though regrettable, should invite corrective measures rather than punitive sanctions that threaten newsroom viability, discourage public-interest reporting, and stifle media diversity.
Constructive engagement needed
The council also noted that the issue comes at a time when Malaysia’s media industry is undergoing rapid transformation, with artificial intelligence and digital tools reshaping news gathering and distribution.
"Excessive penalties create uncertainty and may deter newsrooms from experimenting and innovating with these technologies, to the detriment of a more dynamic and forward-looking media landscape.
"The council calls for constructive engagement between MCMC, the Home Ministry, media organisations and the council itself to develop clearer guidelines and a transparent, collaborative framework for addressing such matters.
"Our shared goal must be to safeguard both journalistic integrity and the public’s right to information while allowing the media the space to grow, adapt and innovate," it added. - Mkini

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