[Malaysia] Journalists condemn wage theft and demand unpaid salaries

In Malaysia, at least 19 journalists have united to release a statement about their concern over months of unpaid salaries and threats of dismissal, despite prior assurances that the payment delays would be resolved, IFJ reports.

The journalists work for Petra Group, a diversified Malaysian investment company representing news outlets The Malaysian Insight (MTI) and The Vibes. 

In a joint letter to management, they reportedly demanded that all salaries be back paid in full by September 16 - a deadline which has long passed - or they would be forced to “consider [their] future” at the company. 

According to journalists employed at MTI, the demands have yet to be met and several journalists are currently on strike. Some editors remain working at the company.

The journalists allege that they are owed six to seven months of salary payments, despite repeated assurances during visits to Petra Group’s office on April 13 and August 21, 2024, that any issues would be rectified.

During these meetings, management reportedly promised staff representatives to pay arrears from November 2023 to February 2024 as a bonus, settle unpaid tax contributions and provide medical insurance and cards for staff members. The employees contend that none of these promises have been kept.

The prolonged delay has caused considerable financial hardship. Many journalists employed by Petra Group are said to be struggling to cover essential living expenses such as rent, utilities and food. The journalists’ statement also alleges that the journalists faced threats of dismissal during an attempted strike to demand their overdue wages.

NUJM and Gerakan Media Merdeka (GERAMM) called for the prompt settlement of all outstanding payments - in a statement released on October 1 - and condemned the delays as a form of ‘oppression’ by management. 

“A ‘free press’ is not free,” meaning there is a cost to be paid, including fair wages, to build a free media landscape. It must be emphasised that the failure to pay wages and other contributions that are the employer's responsibility is a violation under the Employment Act 1955,” NUJM and GERAMM said.

The NUJM said, “It is unacceptable that journalists and media workers must fight for what is rightfully theirs: fair and timely compensation for their dedicated work. The situation at Petra Group is appalling. Media workers should have been compensated accordingly. We demand that the company immediately fulfil its obligations and pay these hardworking professionals the salaries they are owed, without further delay or excuses.”

The IFJ said, “The failure to pay months of outstanding wages to journalists and the denial of their contractual entitlements is clear exploitation and a violation of the workers’ rights under Malaysian labour law. There can be no press freedom without fair wages and working conditions for media workers. IFJ calls on Petra Group to comply with the Malaysian Employment Act and labour rights legislation, calling for the immediate settlement of all outstanding salaries, tax contributions, medical insurance, and other entitlements as agreed.”

Source: IFJ

(Links and quotes via original reporting)

In Malaysia, at least 19 journalists have united to release a statement about their concern over months of unpaid salaries and threats of dismissal, despite prior assurances that the payment delays would be resolved, IFJ reports.

The journalists work for Petra Group, a diversified Malaysian investment company representing news outlets The Malaysian Insight (MTI) and The Vibes. 

In a joint letter to management, they reportedly demanded that all salaries be back paid in full by September 16 - a deadline which has long passed - or they would be forced to “consider [their] future” at the company. 

According to journalists employed at MTI, the demands have yet to be met and several journalists are currently on strike. Some editors remain working at the company.

The journalists allege that they are owed six to seven months of salary payments, despite repeated assurances during visits to Petra Group’s office on April 13 and August 21, 2024, that any issues would be rectified.

During these meetings, management reportedly promised staff representatives to pay arrears from November 2023 to February 2024 as a bonus, settle unpaid tax contributions and provide medical insurance and cards for staff members. The employees contend that none of these promises have been kept.

The prolonged delay has caused considerable financial hardship. Many journalists employed by Petra Group are said to be struggling to cover essential living expenses such as rent, utilities and food. The journalists’ statement also alleges that the journalists faced threats of dismissal during an attempted strike to demand their overdue wages.

NUJM and Gerakan Media Merdeka (GERAMM) called for the prompt settlement of all outstanding payments - in a statement released on October 1 - and condemned the delays as a form of ‘oppression’ by management. 

“A ‘free press’ is not free,” meaning there is a cost to be paid, including fair wages, to build a free media landscape. It must be emphasised that the failure to pay wages and other contributions that are the employer's responsibility is a violation under the Employment Act 1955,” NUJM and GERAMM said.

The NUJM said, “It is unacceptable that journalists and media workers must fight for what is rightfully theirs: fair and timely compensation for their dedicated work. The situation at Petra Group is appalling. Media workers should have been compensated accordingly. We demand that the company immediately fulfil its obligations and pay these hardworking professionals the salaries they are owed, without further delay or excuses.”

The IFJ said, “The failure to pay months of outstanding wages to journalists and the denial of their contractual entitlements is clear exploitation and a violation of the workers’ rights under Malaysian labour law. There can be no press freedom without fair wages and working conditions for media workers. IFJ calls on Petra Group to comply with the Malaysian Employment Act and labour rights legislation, calling for the immediate settlement of all outstanding salaries, tax contributions, medical insurance, and other entitlements as agreed.”

Source: IFJ

(Links and quotes via original reporting)