The presence of the media is necessary during anti-vice raids to witness possible abuses of power by enforcement officers, the Centre for Independent Journalism Malaysia (CIJ) says.

"While some may question whether the media has any role at all to play in a raid, we believe that the presence of journalists here, as in all instances involving authority, is necessary.

"This is not only to report the event but also to check on possible abuses of power," CIJ said in a statement yesterday.

Its stance is in contrast with that of Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) and the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), which two days ago said the police should stop taking media personnel on raids, especially to vice dens.

Nevertheless, CIJ said the ethics of journalism, which include minimising harm, should be adhered to at all times and that reporters should stop ‘exploiting' their subjects.

The three groups were responding to a comment piece by Oriental Daily News crime desk reporter Loh Iee Wen, who reported on the behaviour of media personnel during a raid at a vice-den.

'Draw up an operating procedure'

The press photographers reportedly hounded and photographed nude or partially nude suspected sex workers, despite their best efforts to escape from the cameras and put on their clothes.

"It would appear that these media personnel cannot distinguish their role as independent documenters with public interest in mind, and have instead abused their position," the media watchdog said.

The NGO also asked that the Home Ministry to begin a discussion to draw up an international standard operating procedure in dealing with the press.

"The police conduct in allowing unhindered access in this instance again raises the need for a standard operating procedure.

"This is to ensure that the rights of all parties - whether in a raid or a rally, be they journalists or alleged wrongdoers - are protected," CIJ added.

It also called on members of the public to not encourage sensationalist journalism that humiliates and exploits the ordinary people.