Press Corps Undergoes Intensive Training Ahead Of Sabah Polls

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- Gearing up for the 17th Sabah State Election, a cohort of 31 media professionals is embarking on an intensive training programme designed to elevate election reporting through enhanced skills, strict ethics, and balanced coverage.

A four-day programme, titled "Reporting and Analysis of State Election and Infographic", is being held from Sept 22 to 25 for media professionals from various government agencies and private news outlets.

Organised by the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) in collaboration with the Sabah government and Sabah Journalist Association, the training aims to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the electoral process while reinforcing journalism ethics.

In a statement today, MPI said the curriculum emphasises the necessity of objective, fair, and independent reporting, especially during election periods.

It also focuses on practical strategies to identify, counter, and prevent the spread of false information and the manipulation of public perception, which are common risks inherent to elections.

This training will also equip participants with skills in visual storytelling and data communication, focusing on the strategic use of infographics and statistics to make election reporting more engaging and impactful for the public.

Furthermore, the programme covers practical digital tools for sub-editing and distributing news content, streamlining workflows for greater speed and efficiency.

A key objective is to strengthen collaboration between media professionals and government agencies to ensure the public receives information that is both highly accurate and delivered in a timely manner throughout the election period.

Among the participating organisations are Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), Information Department (JAPEN), Community Communications Department (J-Kom), The Star, New Straits Times, Malay Mail, Berita Harian, Sinar Harian, Daily Express, Sabah Media, Keningau Journalist Association, Borneo Daily Bulletin, and Jendela Madani.

The programme features expert speakers, including the Training Management head from the Election Commission's Election Academy, Nik Aminudin Nik Shahar Shah, media and communication consultant Dr G Manimaran, and Universiti Teknologi Mara Perak, senior lecturer in Graphic Design Dr Zul Imran Ahmad.

--BERNAMA