JIM,CIJA FORGE PARTNERSHIP TO ENHANCE TRANSPARENCY, PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 7  (Bernama) -- The Immigration Department (JIM) is prepared to work with the Crime Journalists Association (CiJA) to enhance transparency and support the department’s reform agenda by ensuring the delivery of clear, balanced and responsible information to the public.

Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the establishment of CiJA represents an important professional platform for strengthening strategic cooperation between crime desk journalists and national enforcement agencies.

He said CiJA’s establishment adds value to the crime and immigration reporting ecosystem, helping the public gain a more accurate understanding of complex and sensitive issues.

“With a platform that brings together professional crime desk journalists, JIM can engage with the media more systematically and comprehensively to ensure that information shared with the public is clear, balanced and does not disrupt ongoing operations,” he said in a statement today.

Zakaria said the JIM’s reform efforts involve not only upgrades to systems and technology, but also improving public understanding of the department’s work.

Transparency, accurate explanations and responsible communication form the foundation of public trust, he added.

 In this context, he said, JIM views CiJA as a strategic partner in strengthening public awareness of its policies and enforcement actions.

As part of this commitment, Zakaria said the department is open to holding regular briefing sessions on immigration laws and policies, as well as sharing updates on enforcement activities, current trends and ongoing service digitalisation efforts.

“This initiative aims to support journalists in producing accurate and fact-based reports,” he said.

The Immigration Department also congratulated CiJA’s newly appointed leadership and expressed appreciation for the media’s role in educating the public on immigration security and compliance.

The newly appointed leadership of CiJA comprises Safeek Affendy Razali (Berita Harian) as President, Hafidzul Hilmi (Harian Metro) and Maszureen Hadzman (Utusan Malaysia) as Deputy Presidents 1 and 2, while Farik Zolkepli (The Star) as Treasurer and Nuraina Hanis Abd Halim (Utusan Malaysia) as Secretary.

The association also named seven committee members, including the Crime Desk Chief of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), Ahmad Syabil Sultan Noordin Ahmad.

Zakaria added that JIM will continue collaborating with media partners to ensure that the department’s narrative presented to the public is accurate, accessible and aligned with the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI.

-- BERNAMA