Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil backs calls for regular media updates on the Sabah-North Kalimantan border issue to ensure accurate public information and prevent misunderstandings
KUALA LUMPUR: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has suggested that the relevant parties conduct regular media briefings on efforts to resolve the land border issue between Sabah and North Kalimantan (Kaltara) to avoid misunderstandings.
He said the move is necessary to ensure accurate information is conveyed to the public, thereby preventing any confusion arising from unverified reports.
“I welcome the statement by Ikatan Setiakawan Wartawan Malaysia-Indonesia (ISWAMI) yesterday. In this matter, the ministry responsible is the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), and I understand that briefings have already been conducted with some media outlets.
“But I would suggest that regular and frequent briefings be held so that accurate information can be conveyed,” he told reporters after officiating at the Datum Conference in conjunction with the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival 2026 at The Linc KL here today.
He said the issue also involves the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia in terms of technical aspects of boundary demarcation and national border calculations.
Fahmi also took note of the views expressed by the Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia, Datuk Raden Mohammad Iman Hascarya Kusumo, who said there had previously been inaccurate reports on the matter.
“So I see there is a need for NRES to ensure accurate information is conveyed, especially to Malaysian media, so that issues do not arise that could lead to misunderstandings among the public,” he said.
Yesterday, ISWAMI urged media organisations in both countries to strengthen a harmonious narrative, and also proposed that the governments of Malaysia and Indonesia provide special briefings for media practitioners.
ISWAMI Malaysia president Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzzaman and ISWAMI Indonesia president Asro Kamal Rokan, in a joint statement, said media reporting should prioritise official sources from both countries, while also adopting a balanced, prudent approach and contextual reporting in all coverage.
