20/05/2025

TUESDAY | MAY 20, 2025

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AI serves as assistance to journalists, not replacement

Mobile social support centres proposed PENAMPANG: The National Welfare Foundation has suggested setting up mobile Local Social Support Centres in Sabah to help women facing domestic violence in the state. Its CEO Nordina Haron said the centres would act as a bridge to assist women facing problems, especially in rural areas, to file complaints easily to authorities without worrying about transport costs to the city. The centres also have the MyPSSS app that allows complaints to be channelled directly to agencies under the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry through Talian Kasih. For example, the Social Welfare Department would address families with disabled children, reports of missing children and psychosocial complaints. “The centres connect to all social issues faced by society that will be helped by the foundation, ministries and agencies,” said Nordina. She was speaking at the Jelajah Kasih PSSS programme here on Sunday that was officiated by Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick. The programme was held in conjunction with Kembara Kasih KPWKM, involving two main zones in Sabah, namely Tuaran, Papar and Penampang in Zone One and Lahad Datu, Kunak and Tawau in Zone Two. On the programme, Nordina said over 2,000 psychosocial cases were recorded throughout the three days it was held in Sabah, including cost of living issues, work-related problems as well as family and abuse issues. “When we receive cases such as these, the foundation plays its role to bring them to the related ministry or agency. If it involves family issues, the foundation will refer to the National Population and Family Development Board.” She said the tagline “Sa Dengar, Sa Tulung Bah” (I listen, I help) displayed on the centre buses boosts the confidence of locals to meet with counsellors to express their burdens. She also said the response has been so welcoming that the centre counter was the focal point throughout the event, Bernama reported. “We hope the two centre buses can reach more people in the towns and rural areas,” she said, adding that the buses would be brought to an area depending on the situation at hand. The buses have special counselling rooms so that individuals can talk about their problems with a counsellor calmly and comfortably. RM70m unpaid rent: Kuala Lumpur mayor KUALA LUMPUR: The total amount of unpaid rent for the People’s Housing Project and Public Housing under the purview of Kuala Lumpur City Hall has reached RM70 million, said mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif. She said the arrears were affecting the maintenance and management of facilities for communities in areas under City Hall supervision. She also said City Hall has taken several steps to deal with the arrears, such as cutting off water supply, issuing notices, holding financial advocacy programmes and offering tenants an instalment payment plan. “This initiative is vital so that the rent collected can be used to provide better services for residents,” she said at the Safe City Community Wellbeing Programme here on Sunday. Maimunah added that City Hall was considering offering People’s Housing Project and Public Housing units for sale to tenants who could afford to purchase them. “There was a decision in 2015 to suspend (the sale) but I have since reviewed the decision and if the tenants are financially capable, we can consider selling the units.” During the programme, she also addressed issues concerning waste management, traffic congestion and drug abuse. – Bernama

o Staff recognise benefits of such technology but emphasise need to preserve

human creativity and editorial judgement

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly prominent role in the news media landscape, offering innovative tools to boost efficiency and support media employees in their daily tasks. While Malaysian journalists recognise the benefits of integrating these tools into their routines, many also stress the need to preserve human creativity and editorial judgement in news delivery. For Hendra Winarno, a journalist with Utusan Malaysia , AI has proven to be a valuable companion in handling everyday work. “Many routine tasks can be done faster with AI. For example, checking emails, writing reports or searching for information. It saves time and reduces stress,” said the 26-year-old reporter when contacted by theSun . While he acknowledged AI’s contributions to the creative side of journalism, he cautioned against excessive dependence on it. “You have to be careful too, do not simply rely on AI alone because it could lead to mistakes, especially when using incorrect data.” Hendra said AI’s true value lies in its ability to enhance learning and promote skill development among journalists, making the job more engaging. A reporter from an English-language daily, who asked to be identified only as D, described AI as a powerful tool that acts as a support system rather than a replacement. She said AI tools help her work more efficiently, especially when time is tight, by Universiti Sains Malaysia School of Communication lecturer Dr Chai Ming Hock said AI could be a valuable resource for journalists, particularly in helping them better understand the topics they are covering. However, he warned against over-reliance on the technology. “AI is useful for background research on issues but media staff still need to be cautious as AI can make mistakes too,” he told theSun . He said the human element remains a crucial part of storytelling, the heart of journalism. Chai cited a recent blunder involving the Malaysian flag by a media outlet as a reminder that human oversight is still essential when incorporating AI into newsrooms. “Media agencies might be tempted to take shortcuts and replace staff with AI but we have already seen problems with that. The

D warned that while AI can speed up processes, it lacks emotional intelligence and cultural nuance, which are crucial to delivering compelling journalism. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

handling the more tedious aspects of journalism, such as transcribing interviews, translating speeches and fact-checking. “AI does not write my stories; I do. But it frees up my time so that I can focus on crafting stronger narratives and asking sharper questions. It enhances my workflow but it does not replace it.” D warned that while AI can speed up processes, it lacks emotional intelligence and cultural nuance, which are crucial to delivering compelling journalism. “I always double-check the facts, re-frame the tone and ensure the final product reflects a human perspective, not a machine’s,” she said. National Union of Journalists Malaysia secretary-general Teh Athira Yusof said while there are risks and challenges tied to the use of AI in journalism, the technology also offers opportunities that should not be overlooked. She added that the union is open to working with the soon-to-be-established Malaysian Media Council to develop guidelines regulating AI use in the local media industry. “We hope that, with the media council,

more guidelines could be issued. The union is ready to offer assistance on the matter in the future. “There is a need for the ethical use of AI within journalism as the technology should not replace the talent, skill and creativity possessed by journalists. These are qualities that must be recognised and valued. This is important as it also secures better welfare for journalists working in the industry,” she said in a WhatsApp reply to theSun . She noted that several established media organisations in Malaysia have begun incorporating AI into their operations. Teh warned that human oversight remains crucial to maintaining public trust in the media, citing a recent controversy involving AI-generated content related to the Malaysian flag. “If newsrooms are using AI, it must be done with proper checks and balances. We have seen improper use of AI with the flag issue. News organisations must be transparent in how they use AI. It should assist, not replace, the editors and journalists who are working hard on the ground.”

Media veteran warns against over-reliance on technology PETALING JAYA: Artificial intelligence (AI) should not be seen as a disruptive force poised to replace journalists, but rather as a supportive tool to enhance the work of media professionals. Jalur Gemilang fiasco is a clear example. “It was an honest mistake but it slipped through because someone did not do their job properly, including fact-checking visuals.” When asked whether AI would eventually replace journalists, the former reporter bluntly said: “No.” more related to the business structure of organisations rather than AI. “AI is simply a supporting tool. While it may appear to be a threat, humans are still required to operate AI in the news process,” said its CEO Ainol Amriz Ismail when contacted by theSun .

“As far as journalism is concerned, it is not just about gathering information. You still need to interview sources. “That information is not readily available online. In that sense, journalists are still very much needed.” He added that building trust and rapport with sources, which is something AI cannot replicate, remains vital to delivering compelling news. He also pointed out that audiences are not always receptive to AI-led news delivery, citing the example of a local broadcaster’s recent introduction of an AI newscaster, which reportedly impacted their ratings. The Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) refuted claims that local media organisations are downsizing due to the growing use of AI. “Media professionals losing their jobs is

He urged media employees to familiarise themselves with AI tools and develop proficiency to streamline their work. “MPI stresses the importance of learning how to use AI. Adopting the technology could help speed up content preparation and delivery,” he said. On May 4, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the government would engage with journalist groups, such as MPI and the National Union of Journalists Malaysia, to formulate guidelines on AI usage in journalism. “We definitely need guidelines and better understanding so that we can harness AI’s potential without falling victim to false news, misinformation or misuse, especially within the media industry.” – BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE