PUTRAJAYA – Journalists who have to go through police roadblocks during the Covid-19 lockdown need only present their media cards and the relevant letters, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah.
He said officers will cooperate on the matter, as they understand reporters’ duty to the public.
“Media practitioners don’t have to worry when going through roadblocks. What is important is to present your media card and the relevant letters, either from your employer, the Information Department or the Communications and Multimedia Ministry. That should suffice,” he told a virtual press conference today.
On the enforcement of the Emergency (Essential Powers) (No. 2) Ordinance 2021 with regard to fake news, he said from March 12 to May 30, a total of 18 cases were investigated, and four have been resolved.
Two of the cases were charged in court, and the other two classified as “No Further Action”.
On another matter, Saifuddin said the government has agreed to recognise communications services as a public utility after water and electricity supply.
He said the proposal was approved by the cabinet at its meeting yesterday.
“The recognition of communications services as a public utility is important to ensure access to high-quality services can be provided speedily and comprehensively at a reasonable operational cost.
“It will also ensure the readiness of a high-quality communications network that can add value to a state’s economic activities and boost the country’s competitiveness through the provision of a uniform and transparent process.
“Digital infrastructure connectivity is an important element to promote economic growth and improve the competitiveness of a nation.”
Making communications services a public utility will now be included as a condition for development approval, he said.
He thanked menteris besar and chief ministers for gazetting such services as a public utility.
“It can be said that the whole country has adopted communications as a public utility, and this will speed up the process of installing assets related to connectivity under the National Digital Network programme.” – Bernama, June 3, 2021
