Cops nab journalist for 'trespassing' over undocumented migrant coverage

A journalist for a Tamil-language news portal has been arrested by the police at the Kulim district police headquarters today over allegations of trespassing.

Thinathanti director Pavalaselvan Marimuthu confirmed that the journalist Kalidas Subramaniom had been arrested and said he received news of the matter at about 3pm today.

According to Pavalaselvan, Kalidas had previously gone to the Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP) on March 26 with several other media practitioners, activists, and NGO representatives.

“Their presence there was to cover allegations that there were over 300 undocumented migrants working without valid permits in the area.

“We are not just a blog or influencer. We are registered with the Information Department and have official media cards. This arrest is very shocking,” he said when contacted by Malaysiakini.

Pavalaselvan explained that Kalidas had earlier received a call from the Kulim police district headquarters to come in and give a statement.

“The day before yesterday, he was contacted by the police to attend and give a statement. When asked, police informed him it was related to an allegation of trespassing.

“However, after Kalidas arrived at the station today, we were told police arrested him for further investigation,” he said.

It is understood that besides the journalist, seven other individuals were also arrested over the alleged trespassing.

Malaysiakini has contacted the Kulim district police and Home Ministry for comments.

Disappointed with police

Meanwhile, Malaysian Tamil Media Organisation president S Muthameez Manan expressed shock and disappointment over the police’s action.

He stressed that Kalidas was only carrying out his duties as a journalist and should not have been arrested, given that he has a valid media pass.

“I’m very shocked. There is no need to arrest him just because he went to gather news.

“The police should have been satisfied with just recording his statement,” he told Malaysiakini, while urging the authorities to release Kalidas immediately.

“He has an official media pass. This incident will be brought to the attention of Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil," he added.

Meanwhile, Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) backed Pavalaselvan’s assertion that Kalidas should not have been arrested, and urged authorities to explain the move.

“It should be emphasised that among the responsibilities of a reporter is to provide direct coverage on the scene, or verify allegations through the closest sources.

“This includes being on any location or contacting any relevant party linked to an incident or allegation,” it said in a statement.

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