By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) has expressed serious concern over the challenges faced by the media during coverage of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir case, urging authorities to uphold safety, access control, and professionalism at press events.
SJA President Mariah Doksil said the association was alarmed by reports of harassment involving an unidentified individual who blended into the mainstream media zone during a recent inquest press conference.
Two female journalists reportedly felt unsafe as the person stood uncomfortably close to them.
“We call for stricter enforcement to protect working journalists,” she said in a statement.
Mariah said SJA also noted disruptions caused by untrained individuals who entered media zones and later monetised livestreams meant to provide public information.
“This undermines journalistic work and creates confusion,” she added.
The association further highlighted the spread of misinformation, including false claims and inaccurate reporting of legal proceedings by unverified sources.
“Press conference access must prioritise registered media to ensure accurate reporting,” Mariah stressed.
SJA also called for tighter enforcement of restricted area protocols, particularly in sensitive locations such as courts, where unauthorised recordings could compromise proceedings and media access.
Mariah emphasised that all parties must respect journalistic standards and legal boundaries, noting that responsible reporting not sensationalism best serves the public interest and justice.
On Monday, the Kota Kinabalu Coroner’s Court set Sept 3 for the start of the inquest into Zara Qairina’s death.
On the same day, Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar said that five minors would be charged at the Kota Kinabalu Children’s Court today in connection with the bullying case.
Zara Qairina, 13, was found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory in Papar on the morning of July 16 and died a day later at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital, Kota Kinabalu.
