KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Media Council (MMM) is concerned with the excessive fine imposed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on Sin Chew Media Corporation Bhd and Sinar Karangkraf Sdn Bhd.

In a statement by its founding members, it said the fines are excessive and disproportionate to the alleged offences which foster a climate of fear and self-censorship among journalists and editors.

“Enforcement must be applied with balance and fairness,’’ it said, adding that MMM recognizes MCMC’s mandate under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

“Inadvertent mistakes, though regrettable, should invite proportionate and corrective measures, not punitive sanctions that threaten newsroom viability, discourage public-interest reporting, or limit the diversity of voices in media ecosystem,’’ it said.

This is especially pressing as the media industry in Malaysia navigates through rapid technological change, it said, adding that the MMM acknowledges the importance of accuracy and the need to respect national symbols.

The statement by MMM is in response to the RM100,000  imposed by MCMC on Sin Chew Daily on an incomplete flag and Sinar Harian on an error in IGP’s profile.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital tools are transforming how news is gathered, verified and distributed, it said.

“Excessive penalties create uncertainty and may deter newsrooms from experimenting and innovating with these technologies, to the detriment of a more dynamic and forward-looking media landscape,’’ it said.

The MMM calls for constructive engagement between MCMC, the Home Ministry, media organizations and the Council itself to develop clearer guidelines and a transparent, collaborative framework for addressing such matters.

“Our shared goal must be to safeguard both journalistic integrity and the public’s right to information while allowing the media the space to grow, adapt and innovate,” it said.

The MMM remains committed to working with all stakeholders to uphold responsible journalism and to protect media freedom as an essential pillar of Malaysian democracy.

Meanwhile, the Editor’s Association of Chinese Medium of Malaysia stressed that the RM100,000 fine by MCMC is detrimental to the development of the media industry, especially at a time when the industry is facing tremendous challenges.

“When an inadvertent mistake is meted with punitive measures instead of space for tolerance and opportunities to improve, it will only dishearten journalists, leaving them feeling insecure and fearful that an honest mistake could trigger endless reprisals and punishment,’’ said the association.

In its statement, the association pointed out that neither Sin Chew Daily nor Sinar Harian committed the error deliberately.

If the government insists on imposing heavy penalties instead of understanding the high-pressure environment in media industry, it would appear lacking in compassion and dampen the morale of journalists.

Sin Chew Daily, in particular, issued apologies in three languages immediately and took internal disciplinary action following the incident.

The association urged authorities to adopt a constructive attitude by working together with the industry to explore more effective mechanisms for improvement and training, rather than relying solely on hefty fines.

Only through mutual trust and cooperation can the media fully play its role in social oversight and safeguard the public’s right to know.