KUALA LUMPUR – Local news outlet MalaysiaGazette is calling for public support after its YouTube channel which had almost 900,000 subscribers, MalaysiaGazetteTV, was unexpectedly removed by YouTube.
In a message posted on its official Facebook page, the outlet which was established in 2013 appealed to YouTube to reinstate its channel, emphasising that the content produced over the years was not “violent nor dangerous.”
“Dear YouTube, please reinstate MalaysiaGazetteTV’s YouTube Channel. We’re not ‘violent nor dangerous’. Please…,” it posted on Facebook, urging followers to help by sharing the message, tagging YouTube, and advocating for the reinstatement.
According to the outlet, the channel was removed due to an alleged violation concerning “violent and harmful content”. It said they noticed irregularities when their logo was unexpectedly changed to an electric vehicle brand logo, and access to the channel was lost.
Following an investigation, YouTube confirmed that the account had been compromised, which prompted action on the platform’s part. Despite this, YouTube has upheld the decision to remove the channel.
The outlet said this is erasing 11 years of work, 890,000 subscribers, and extensive content.
“This has been devastating for our production team, journalists, and editors, who worked day and night to bring real news to Malaysians,” it said in a comment on the post.
Several comments from Facebook users asked the outlet if it had asked authorities or government agencies regarding the issue, while some questioned the “real” reason behind the removal of the channel.
MalaysiaGazette assured followers it is working to rebuild its online presence and has launched a new channel. – November 15, 2024