Give protection to Mkini journalists who exposed syndicates, says MP

A government lawmaker has urged the Communications Ministry to provide protection for two Malaysiakini journalists who received threats for exposing migrant workers’ syndicates and issues related to human trafficking.

Jelutong MP RSN Rayer also called for the RM5 million allocation for the National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) to be increased.

“I feel this allocation should be increased. We need to praise journalists who expose scandals and give them awards.

“In this context, I also want to ask the ministry to provide protection for journalists S Vinothaa and B Nantha Kumar,” he told the Dewan Rakyat.

Yesterday, the senior journalists recalled their experience during an interview.

“I was threatened near a police station,” shared Vinothaa 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,” she added.

Nantha, on the other hand, exposed the “A to B” syndicate, where “employers” allegedly generate millions of ringgit by obtaining quotas for thousands of migrant workers without needing them.

Following this, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim vowed that his ministry will permanently blacklist employers or agents involved in abusing migrant worker quotas.

However, both journalists said action must be taken against officials who are involved as well.

“The official accused of wrongdoing in my report got promoted,” said Nantha.

INSIDEKINI | Journos threatened over exposés on migrant workers issues

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