The sermon said the role played by members of the media should not be underestimated.  It also acknowledged that many newsmen were exposed to danger in the course of doing their job.

“They often stay up all night, and are subject to adverse weather conditions as well as uncertain environments, especially when reporting on natural disasters, wars and armed conflicts.

“Some journalists have suffered injuries (while on the job) while others have even lost their lives,” read the sermon prepared by the Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council of Perak (MAIPk).

In a statement, MAIPk president Annuar Zaini said the sermon was prepared pursuant to a decree by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah.

It was also prepared in conjunction with the National Journalists Day celebrations currently taking place in Ipoh. National Journalists Day falls on Monday, May 29.

The sermon said journalists had both a right and a duty to present factual information to the public at large.

It called on journalists to be informed of journalistic ethics and apply them when carrying out their duties so as to fulfil their responsibilities with fairness and impartiality, and without slandering others.

“The information presented to the masses and the way the news is crafted will shape the thinking of readers and influence their decisions.”