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April 08, 2026 – Malaysia –
Media organisations in Malaysia have called for an official explanation after police allegedly ordered journalists to delete photos and videos while covering a crime scene, prompting renewed concerns about press freedom and reporting rights.
The incident occurred in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, where reporters were documenting developments linked to a riot case at a karaoke outlet. According to reports cited by Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) and the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), several journalists from Chinese-language media were instructed by police officers to erase all recorded material from the scene.
One journalist was reportedly approached by plainclothes officers, who inspected her mobile phone and briefly questioned her about footage taken while forensic personnel were carrying out their work. She was then directed to delete the images and videos before being allowed to leave.
In addition, two other journalists were allegedly asked by an investigating officer to remove their recorded content. Authorities also photographed their press credentials and warned that further action could be taken if the material was published or circulated.
Geramm and NUJ expressed concern about the actions, stating that such directives raise serious questions about the protection of journalists’ rights and the media’s ability to report freely on matters of public interest. They urged the relevant authorities to clarify the legal basis for ordering the deletion of journalistic material.
The groups emphasized that journalists must be allowed to perform their duties without interference, particularly when covering crime scenes where transparency and public accountability are critical. They warned that such incidents could undermine confidence in press freedom and discourage independent reporting.
Following the backlash, local police officials acknowledged the need for improved coordination between law enforcement and the media when operating at active investigation sites. However, no detailed justification for the deletion orders has been publicly provided.
The case has intensified debate over the balance between investigative procedures and media access in Malaysia, highlighting ongoing tensions between authorities and journalists. Observers note that clear guidelines are essential to ensure both effective policing and the protection of press freedoms in the country.
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