Recognizing the crucial role that journalists play at the intersection of government, corporations, academia, and civil society organisations, this ILMU Hasanah session held on 27 July 2023, entitled “Transformative Power of Photojournalism and Storytelling” was aimed at inspiring members of the public, especially those whose work bring about positive impact to the environment and the livelihoods of people, to think beyond the daily technicalities and to see the power that they hold in their skills and daily tools.  

The session brought together Hasanah’s partners and networks including those from non-profits, foundations, academia, as well as individuals working in the field of communications in various sectors. Through the stories shared by the speakers, SC Shekar, Photojournalist and Storyteller and Amy Chew, Independent Journalist – both experienced in the field of journalism in Malaysia and abroad – the hope is that event attendees gained a renewed sense of purpose and passion in their own areas of work.  

The questions we asked were: In their quest to uncover the truth, what obstacles do journalists face? Or: What is the story behind the story? And: How can listeners contribute to positive social change where they are? 

Photojournalism: A picture speaks a thousand words 

The session started off with a heartfelt presentation entitled, “Children of the Landfill: A Tale of Struggle and Survival Among the Orang Asli Jakun” by the renowned SC Shekar, photojournalist and storyteller, of his experience when chancing upon – and subsequently living with – a community otherwise forgotten by society, and documenting their stories through photographs. He shared his experience:  

“It was early 2019 when I stumbled upon this hidden community… In the heart of Pahang’s lush landscape, where rivers once ran crystal clear and waterways teemed with life, lies a haunting juxtaposition – a small village of Orang Asli Jakun eking out a living next to a municipal landfill in Bukit Biru, Muadzam Shah… This village, so close to urban conveniences, lived in the shadows of modernity, lacking electricity and piped water, a stark contrast to the bustling town nearby. 

Over the course of nearly a year, I forged bonds of trust, befriending the children and even the fiercely protective village dogs… As my photographs narrate their story, I hope to spark the change needed to uplift this marginalised community and restore dignity to their lives. Their journey, fraught with sorrow and perseverance, is a testament to the enduring bond between humanity and nature – a bond that we must nurture, protect, and preserve for generations to come.” 

In the wake of SC Shekar’s story gracing the pages of renowned newspapers and various online news portals, a noticeable shift took place as members of the public started showing concern and compassion towards this community. Then, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, non-governmental organisations sprung into action. Some taught the community members farming skills; others provided solar panels, water filtration devices, and water pumps, which meant access to clean water for the community. Volunteers also sent clothing and vital food supplies into the village and its surrounding settlements.  

The media attention had effectively unveiled the hidden struggles of this community, enabling the spark of humanity and altruism. The trajectory of this Orang Asli community’s lives had been changed, as they nurtured an income stream producing natural snacks such as banana chips from their very own fields. This transformation stands in stark contrast to the past days, barely three years ago.  

Storytelling: Unveiling the tale of Cross-Border Agendas, and Impacts on Human Health 

Continuing the reflections on the power of journalism, Amy Chew drew the audience back in time. In 2012, activities of the Lynas rare earths plant in Malaysia were not known by many in the public, until a New York Times article by Keith Bradsher was published. News of the world’s largest refinery for rare earth metals, the first processing plant to be built outside of China in nearly three decades spread, raising concerns amongst local residents. The $230 million facility would not only impact the fishing industry; it was suspected to create vast toxic radioactive waste flowing into rivers, leading to multiple health hazards. 

The publicity provided the needed push for environmental activists and journalists like Amy to call upon the local state government to address the pressing environmental and health issues. With the community rallying together, the pressing concerns were brought to the Chief Minister, and subsequently, a Townhall meeting was held. The Save Malaysia Stop Lynas (SMSL) group garnered sufficient support to pressure the Australian mining company to make public the plans for their Advanced Materials Plant in Malaysia. It was brought to light that there was no proper handling of toxic waste, causing concern to the local residents.  

The long battle is a story of the power of journalism at its core, harnessing the power of the people to unearth the truth behind cross-border profit-driven industrial activities with complex geopolitical agendas, empowering the people who are the most affected., 

Journalism today provides multiple synergies to environmental issues often ignored in mainstream media, with the capacity to ignite a collective consciousness – fostering empathy, raising awareness, generating debate, building coalitions, and ultimately, inspiring action. 

In the words of SC Shekar himself, 

“Journalistic ethics call for detachment, but how could one remain detached when the heart aches with empathy? This was not a faraway crisis that could be forgotten; it was a reality that demanded attention, compassion, and action.”