KUALA LUMPUR – Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has expressed concern over the assault case involving journalist Haresh Deol, saying that the safety of media practitioners must never be compromised.
“I was informed about this incident while attending a programme in Kota Kinabalu. I immediately contacted Haresh to gather more details about what happened this afternoon. Haresh informed me that he had just completed his police report and is now handling the medical report,” Fahmi said in a social media post.
“I hope the investigation will be carried out promptly. The safety of media practitioners, especially while performing their duties, must never be compromised.”
Meanwhile, Police launched a manhunt for three suspects involved in the assault on Haresh, the co-founder of Kuala Lumpur-based media outlet TwentyTwo13.
The incident took place in Bangsar this afternoon, as Haresh was walking towards his car. It is reported that the suspects, two of whom were believed to have attacked Haresh while a third filmed the incident, left him with injuries to his face, arms, and body after he fell while attempting to escape.
Brickfields district police chief, ACP Hoo Chang Hook, confirmed that a police report had been filed and that further investigation is being conducted under Section 323 of the Penal Code, concerning causing injury.
Investigators are set to seek an Order to Investigate (OTI) from the Deputy Public Prosecutor on November 26, 2025, to proceed with further inquiries, including gathering witness statements, CCTV footage, and medical reports.
In the wake of the attack, the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) has called for a transparent and professional investigation, urging the public to refrain from speculation while the authorities work to uncover the facts. The MMC expressed deep concern about the assault and emphasised that any form of violence against journalists is a serious threat to media freedom. The Council reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of media practitioners, noting that attacks like these undermine the public’s access to accurate and timely information.
The Sports Writers Association Malaysia (SAM) has also called for immediate action, stressing that such assaults on journalists must not be tolerated. SAM President Norismadi Abd Manap condemned the attack, stating that it is essential for journalists to work in an environment free from fear and intimidation.
In a statement, the National Press Club of Malaysia (NPC) also condemned the assault, with NPC President Datuk Ahirudin Attan describing the attack as “cowardly and sick.” He urged the authorities to act swiftly in addressing the incident and ensuring justice for Haresh.
Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm), a media advocacy group, condemned the assault in the strongest terms, calling for a transparent investigation to uncover the motives behind the attack. Geramm highlighted that physical violence against journalists endangers individual safety and undermines the public’s right to access accurate, pressure-free information. The group called on the police to investigate the incident promptly and take action against the perpetrators.
Haresh, who has been a journalist for 25 years, shared details of the assault in a post on social media platform X, confirming that he had lodged a police report. He expressed his shock, noting that this was the first such attack in his career. His colleague, Pearl Lee, also shared the news and called for justice in the case.
The public is encouraged to come forward with any information related to the attack, with the police urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact ASP Mohd Adnan Bin Alias at 0192162272, or reach out to the Brickfields Police Hotline at 03-2297 9222, or the Kuala Lumpur Police Hotline at 03-2115 9999. – November 25, 2025