There is a dark side in the pursuit of the truth with possible danger lying in wait for journalists on the path to effect change as experienced by Malaysiakini reporters S Vinothaa and B Nantha Kumar.

In a KiniTV programme “InsideKini”, the two senior journalists recalled being threatened after their exposés on migrant workers syndicate and issues related to human trafficking.

“I was threatened near a police station,” shared Vinothaa (above, left), who wrote an exclusive report on migrant worker import quota.

“I heard the clashing sound of knives, ‘ching, ching, ching’. I’m guessing the person was trying to get my attention. When I turned around, he brandished a knife.”

Both journalists agreed that the government must act against officials as well and not just employers or agents, as promised by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.

On Nov 19, Sim vowed that his ministry will permanently blacklist employers or agents involved in abusing migrant worker quotas.

He made the remarks in response to Nantha’s report which exposed the “A to B” syndicate, where “employers” allegedly generate millions of ringgit by obtaining quotas for thousands of migrant workers without actually needing them.

"If action is to be taken, target the officials. The official accused of wrongdoing in my report got promoted," said Nantha.

To find out more about the journalists’ experience, watch “InsideKini”.