In a heartfelt open letter published in Focus Malaysia (25 July) to the Malaysian government, a self-described “B40 Journalist” has laid bare the dire circumstances facing many of the country’s media professionals.
The letter, which has been circulating in journalism circles, paints a grim picture of an industry in distress and calls for immediate government intervention.
Financial Struggles and Workplace Abuse
At the heart of the issue is the alarming frequency with which journalists are reportedly being denied their basic rights as employees.
The letter alleges that many are not receiving their salaries on time, a clear violation of labour laws.
Even more concerning, statutory benefits such as contributions to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) are often left unfulfilled.
“Recently, it was brought to my attention that a journalist had begged in a chat room for the employer to settle wages as he needed money to purchase infant formula milk,” the letter states, highlighting the pitiful situation some media professionals find themselves in.
Lack of Enforcement
The letter points fingers at government bodies such as the Inland Revenue Board (IRB), EPF, and SOCSO for their perceived failure to act against errant employers.
The author expresses frustration at the lengthy process victims must endure to seek justice, questioning why immediate action isn’t taken when evidence of non-compliance is clear.
Professional Hazards
Beyond financial woes, the letter touches on the professional challenges journalists face.
They are expected to combat fake news and uphold truth in reporting while simultaneously battling threats and intimidation from authorities and influential figures.
This precarious position is further complicated by their struggle to meet basic living expenses.
A Call for Reform
The author makes a passionate plea to the Madani government to intervene, suggesting several measures:
Implement comprehensive reforms in the journalism field
Appoint capable individuals to execute these reforms
Regulate media owners, both traditional and online
Screen potential media owners and only permit those with sustainable business models
Industry Concerns
The letter also raises alarm about the state of the industry itself, alleging the existence of a cartel-like system that controls content and journalists.
It calls for decision-making positions to be filled by individuals genuinely interested in improving the industry, rather than political appointees or cronies.
A Poignant Reminder
In a touching tribute, the author mentions two veteran journalists who were forced to work as security guards before passing away, symbolising the struggle many face in the profession.
”But as the 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Bhd) scandal has proven, the truth has a way of filtering out – it may take longer than the usual but, in the end, truth will reign directly or indirectly, especially in a profession where one is trained to speak, sing, dance and write the truth. That is all embedded in the code of journalism ethics,” he sums up.
As the Malaysian media landscape continues to evolve in the age of social media, this open letter serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those tasked with informing the public.
It remains to be seen how the government will respond to this impassioned plea for help from one of the country’s struggling journalists.
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