TAWAU: A close relationship between Sabah and North Kalimantan (Kaltara) has entered a new phase following a signing of a MoU between groups of new media practitioners on digital platforms from both neighbouring regions, aimed at ensuring more credible and responsible cross-border reporting.
Sabah Youth Development, Sports and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said the strategic move would strengthen collaboration among new media practitioners while ensuring the delivery of accurate information without being overly driven by sensationalism.
“Such commitment is a manifestation of the seriousness shown by non-mainstream media practitioners in defending journalism ethics,” he told reporters after witnessing the signing ceremony of the MoU between Sabah and Kaltara new media groups themed “One Borneo, One Island, One Information” at the Indonesian Consulate Office in Tawau on Saturday.
Nizam reminded that the responsibility of journalists is to unite, not divide, and any challenge must also be embraced by new media practitioners by proving their professionalism and integrity so as not to be tainted by the negative image created by irresponsible parties.
According to him, journalism today has become more challenging due to the emergence of individuals posing as journalists through social media platforms, despite not being recognised as media practitioners and not adhering to journalism ethics, which in turn affects the reputation of both mainstream and new media.
“As such, we hope the determination, understanding and commitment forged today will serve as an example to other new media practitioners to work together in enhancing the image of responsible journalism,” he said.
Nizam said the strong ties and mature diplomacy between Malaysia and Indonesia would also serve as a catalyst for more progressive, professional and healthy competitive media cooperation between the two countries.
Elaborating further, he said the mass media today plays a major and strategic role as it shapes public thinking, influences perception and acts as a catalyst for unity.
“The mass media can become a bridge of understanding between the people of two countries and also serve as a shield in preserving regional harmony, especially in today’s fast-moving and open digital era where the demands on media roles are even greater.
“At times, just one piece of inaccurate or misinterpreted information can trigger misunderstanding between the people of both countries, such as issues involving the redelineation of the Sebatik border, which require accurate, balanced and fact-based reporting to avoid confusion and tension,” he said.
Nizam added that the Malaysia-Indonesia media cooperation network being established has the potential to ensure faster, more professional and integrity-driven fact-checking and information coordination, while combating fake news, slander and the spread of propaganda.
Hence, he hoped that the collaboration would help strengthen tourism, trade and the creative economy sectors between the two countries, including generating border area development through the Malaysia-Indonesia Socio-Economic Forum (Sosek Malindo).
Acting Head of the Indonesian Representative Office in Tawau, Dino Nurwahyuddin, also welcomed the MoU initiative, describing it as a bridge for more transparent information sharing between both parties.
“We believe direct access between new media practitioners from both countries will provide advantages for journalists in reporting, particularly in eliminating confusion and conflicting information that could provoke tensions,” he said.
Dino said the collaboration could have a significant impact on border communities, especially in providing access to verified information, as Malaysian journalists would be able to gain direct access to Indonesian authorities, and vice versa, to ensure more accurate information gathering.
During the ceremony, Nizam and Dino also witnessed representatives from four new media organisations signing the Malaysia-Indonesia Cross-Border Strategic Media Cooperation MoU, involving three Sabah-based platforms — SabahNewsToday, Deasoka and Dakwat Rakyat — as well as Satu Kaltara from North Kalimantan.
