The ban on coverage of the Kedah state assembly's budget proceedings, that was imposed on several mainstream newspapers, is not permanent and can be retracted any time.

Kedah Menteri Besar Azizan Abdul Razak said the reason for imposing such a ban on several media was because of their incorrect reporting that might confuse the people.

"For the time being, do not come near because the issue is still hot," he told reporters when winding up debate on the 2011 Budget here today.

He added that even as of today, there were incorrect reporting on the actual situation of the recent floods.

The PAS-led state government only allowed reporters from the national news agency, Bernama , Star , Sinar Harian , Harakah , Sin Chew Daily , China Press , Kwong Hwa Jit Poh , Guan Ming Daily , Oriental Daily , Nan Yang Siang Pau , Makkal Osai and Malaysia Nanban newspapers to cover the sitting.

A letter containing the list of media organizations allowed to cover the sitting, signed by the press secretary to the Menteri Besar, Muhamad Helmi Mohamed Khalid, was sent to the organizations last Thursday, following alleged manipulation of news.

- Bernama