Accurate aviation reporting vital to public confidence
KUALA LUMPUR: Aviation journalism plays a crucial role in maintaining public confidence in aviation and shaping Malaysia's reputation internationally, said Malaysian Press Institute president Datuk Yong Soo Heong.
Speaking at the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM)-MPI Media Literacy Programme, Yong said aviation reporting required accuracy, context and responsibility, particularly when covering safety issues, incidents and regulatory decisions.
"Aviation journalism is not niche. It is a vital bridge between regulators, industry and the public.
"The stories we tell about aviation shape perceptions, influence policy and reassure consumers both locally and internationally," he said.
Yong said journalists should look beyond chasing headlines and instead provide the public with clarity and context, especially as aviation news could reach international audiences within minutes.
"When a safety directive is issued, when a new route is opened, when an incident or accident occurs, the way journalists report it can either build trust or erode it," he said.
He said misinformation could spread rapidly across borders, making it important for Malaysian journalists to raise their standards when reporting on the aviation industry.
"A report filed in Kuala Lumpur can be read in London, Sydney or Tokyo within minutes. The standards we uphold here will be judged everywhere," he said.
Yong said aviation was an important sector of Malaysia's wider economy, citing the return of Formula 1 to the Sepang International Circuit this weekend.
He said the event would involve the movement of racing drivers, race cars and support personnel by air, highlighting the role played by CAAM in supporting major events and connectivity.
Yong said CAAM had evolved into a modern, professional regulator of Malaysia's skies, reflecting the country's commitment to safety, efficiency and international best practices.
He said MPI would continue to support training and closer collaboration between journalists and aviation institutions to strengthen the quality of aviation reporting in Malaysia.
