Ministers, organisers urged by journalists to refrain from holding press conferences, use livestreaming instead

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KUCHING: The Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA) is calling all ministers, parties, associations, and event organisers to minimise or refrain from holding face-to-face press conferences (PCs) with the media throughout the movement control order period for fear of Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) infection.

KDJA president Jacqueline Impi said throughout the order period starting tomorrow till March 31, the said parties are encouraged to use technologies easily accessible nowadays to convey messages to the public via media statements, or even online press conferences through Facebook livestream videos.

“We hope that by doing so, we can minimise any unnecessary risks (of infection) for both the media as well as the parties involved.

“We seek cooperation from everyone during these trying times and hope for the best,” she said in a press statement today.

This was after some KDJA media members were found to have been in close contact with a confirmed Covid-19 case, she said.

Jacqueline noted that the affected members have undergone tests at the Sarawak General Hospital, and all have been cleared, but stressed that the risks are still present and prevalent as they continue doing their duties in the front line.

With concerns over the rapid cases of Covid-19 in Sarawak, she said KDJA acknowledges that this is a very challenging times for the media not only in Sarawak but also all over the country and the world.

She said Covid-19 has been the biggest story being covered today and for the last few days, weeks and months.

“As journalists, our profession requires us to be in the front line to get the news out to the public, and to verify news coming from all sources. In doing so, we place ourselves in the line of danger, so to speak.

“Therefore, in light of the emerging cases, we from KDJA urges all members of the media on the ground – including cameramen, photographers, journalists and editors – to take precautions,” said Jacqueline.