MMM, CMCF Urge Compassion And Restraint In Sharing Content On Death And Tragedy

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Media Council (MMM) and the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF) have appealed to media organisations, content creators and the public to exercise compassion and restraint when recording, reporting or sharing content involving death, tragedy and bereavement.

In a joint statement today, the two bodies reminded everyone that grief is deeply personal and that moments of loss should be approached with sensitivity, especially where affected individuals and their families are concerned.

They also warned that in today's fast-moving digital world, photos and videos can spread in seconds, making it all the more important for anyone recording, publishing, reposting or amplifying such content to pause and consider the dignity and privacy of those involved.

“Regardless of where content originates, everyone involved in recording, publishing, reposting or amplifying it should consider the dignity and privacy of those affected, and whether further circulation serves a genuine public interest,” the statement read.

MMM and CMCF said these principles are reflected in the MMM Code of Conduct and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Content Code, which recognise responsible content practices, respect for privacy and human dignity, and sensitivity towards those affected by grief or tragedy.

They urged those covering or sharing such tragedies to give grieving individuals and families appropriate space, particularly during funerals, prayers, burial rites and other private moments of mourning.

The two bodies also urged media organisations, content creators and the public to steer clear of intrusive recording or photography, especially where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, and to honour requests to stop filming, photographing or sharing.

MMM and CMCF further urged the public to avoid sensational or speculative descriptions of a person's emotional state and to think carefully before reposting or amplifying intimate or distressing images and videos, even when the material was already circulating online.

They also urged the public to ask a simple question: does publishing or sharing such material genuinely deepen public understanding, or does it merely drag a private moment of grief into public view?

“The ability to report, record and share comes with a responsibility to exercise judgment. Public interest and compassion can, and should, coexist,” the statement read.

MMM and CMCF said they remained committed to working with the media, content industry and the wider public to strengthen responsible content practices and uphold standards that support a credible, respectful and trusted media and content environment in Malaysia.

Earlier, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil made a similar plea, urging content creators, influencers and social media users to prioritise decorum, consideration and humanity in their content, particularly amid the latest situation involving Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

-- BERNAMA