The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) today hit out at media companies, stressing that it is the latter's responsibility to adequately prepare journalists before they are sent out to work in crisis areas.

Commenting on the recent shooting death of Bernama TV cameraman Noramfaizul Mohd Nor, 39, ( left ) in Somalia, the union said the safety of journalists out in the field must always be a priority, regardless of where they are posted or sent on assignment.

nuj journalist forum 050907 chin sung chew While conveying their condolences to Noramfaizul's family, NUJ president Chin Sung Chew ( right ) said the union "deeply regrets" his death and stressed that the incident impacts on the interests of all journalists in the country.

"... we urge the management of news (organisations) to always look out for the safety of their staff," he said in a brief statement.

Noramfaizul was hit by a stray bullet during a gunfight between African Union peacekeeping troops and unidentified gunmen in the Somalian capital city of Mogadishu, where armed militia escorts are commonly hired for protection against kidnap attempts.

According to reports, he was sitting in a four-wheel-drive vehicle when two shots were fired during the incident, which happened at around 5.40pm local time or 10.40pm Malaysian. One bullet struck him, puncturing his lung while the other wounded TV3 journalist Aji Saregar Mazlan.

noramfaizul mohd nor Noramfaizul ( left ) died from his wounds 30 minutes later while receiving treatment.

Journalists' rights group Reporters Without Borders ranks Somalia as Africa's deadliest country for media personnel, chalking up a total of 23 journalists killed while on assignment in the country since 2007.

It is not yet clear what exactly happened or whether or not journalists covering the humanitarian mission to Somalia organised by the Putra 1Malaysia Club were issued bulletproof vests and helmets, though sources claim that Noramfaizul was not wearing any protection at the time.

‘Journalists can say no'

NUJ general secretary V Anbalagan stressed that while journalists are contractually obliged to follow any "lawful instructions" by their employers, they are in a position to question, and if necessary turn down any assignment that they feel their safety and well being is at stake.

somalia war food for people aid 1 He said the onus still falls on the journalists to decide whether or not they want to accept potentially risky assignments, but it is also the employers' responsibility to adequately prepare journalists with protective gear such as bulletproof vests and helmets and training.

Anbalagan, when contacted, pointed out that the NUJ has taken some measures to help guide its members on how to deal with potentially risky events, such as issuing a guidebook to members assigned to cover the recent Bersih 2.0 rally, which he described as a "social unrest event".

He added that they will soon come up with a more comprehensive guidebook for journalists covering natural disasters and social unrest events, but emphasised the need for them to make informed decisions on whether or not to take on risky assignments.

israel invades gaza strip hamas palestine "If you are assigned to cover court, then I think it's safe to assume you won't get shot, but if you are assigned to cover a demo or in this case, a crisis area, the reporter can question if there is adequate preparation such as bulletproof vests and helmets and insurance.

"If there is none, then the reporter can decide not to undertake the assignment because life is most important. If they are not able to get insurance for example, then it is the company that must shoulder the risk.

"The principle is that the company must prepare the reporter (for risky assignments) to protect their lives and safety and that they do not fall to bodily injury," he said.

Authorities, mission organisers also responsible

In another statement, the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) Malaysia stressed that the responsibility falls not only on media organisations, but also on the Malaysian authorities and organisers of such missions to make it clear to journalists what protection measures are in place.

israel lebanon conflict 150706 airport The centre stressed that this includes a thorough safety briefing, training and protective gear that should clearly identify them as journalists or neutral observers.

Likewise media organisations must do their part by providing basic protection and insurance coverage, and where necessary, work with groups such as the International News Safety Institute to provide safety training and equipment, the centre added.

However, CIJ stressed, preparation work notwithstanding, the decision on whether or not to accept deployment to danger zones must be the journalist's alone.

"Journalists must be fully aware of the conditions and risks of their assignment, and if they think the safety measures are inadequate, they must have the right to decline such tasks without fear of disciplinary repercussions from their employers.

"Journalists must take a stand and assert their right to protection while on the job," CIJ pointed out, expressing its condolences to Noramfaizul's family and the hope that justice is served in the Somalian government's probe into the incident.