Johor polls: Programme organisers advised to prepare special press conference area - Annuar

KOTA TINGGI - Organisers of programmes, especially those involving political parties in the Johor State Election are advised to provide a special space for press conferences to facilitate media personnel and help reduce the spread of Covid-19 infections.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa said the provision would allow for proper physical distancing among media personnel who were vulnerable to the risk of infection as they were always in the field.

"So it is appropriate for the parties that operate the activity centres to take into account the safety of the media, if it can be held in a press conference (PC) area, and there is a well-organised and controlled PC timings, it is better than having a crowd or where they have to ask for comments while walking in an uncontrolled situation.

"If the media officers are all sick, then everyone will have a hard time...there will be no news," he said after presenting letters of appointment to chairmen of the Keluarga Malaysia Community at the Johor state level (Eastern Zone) at the Kota Kecil Multipurpose Hall, here, tonight.

Annuar was asked to comment on the ministry's advice to organisers of events for political parties to prevent media personnel from being infected with Covid-19 during the election season.

He also advised all media personnel working during the Johor polls to continue adhering to standard operating procedures (SOP) and take care of their personal health, besides adopting 3W (Wash, Wear and Warn).

"We must appreciate the sacrifices of the media... they are vulnerable.

"If they are not to be exposed, they would just have to sit at home, but how can media personnel stay at home. Even if there is a war, media personnel will have to be on the battlefield," he said.

On Feb 11, it was reported that four media personnel covering the Johor polls had tested positive for Covid-19, while at least five others were ordered to undergo self-quarantine. - BERNAMA