Malaysiakini's legal defence fund donation drive has surpassed the RM110,000 mark since its launch four days ago.
This is in relation to the Court of Appeal ordering the news portal to fork out RM350,000 in damages and legal costs to the Raub Australian Gold Mine (RAGM).
Malaysiakini chief executive officer Premesh Chandran said he was thankful for the contributions because it proved Malaysians valued press freedom.
"Contributions were received from people from all walks of life who understood the perils of journalists covering public interest issues.
"We believe that reporting on community concerns is important for an independent media. We hope that the public shares our views and will help us through this hurdle together," he added.
Last week, the appellate court awarded RAGM RM200,000 in damages and RM150,000 in legal costs. Funds have to be raised before the end of the month.
This followed the reversal of a High Court decision which dismissed RAGM's defamation suit against Malaysiakini and three editorial staff over three news reports and two videos.
These reports involved complaints by villagers of Bukit Koman in Raub, Pahang, on the use of cyanide-related chemicals to extract gold at RAGM's mine.
RAGM has since ceased mining operations and applied for liquidation last year.
Malaysiakini would also like to thank supporters who have been sending words of encouragement through phone and email.
"I went to the bank this morning to put RM500 in your account towards covering the outrageously punitive costs that the courts have imposed," said one reader.
Veteran journalist and now journalism lecturer M Krishnamoorthy said he contributed to the defence fund because he believed in press freedom.
"I hope more people will contribute towards this fund as Malaysiakini has been at the forefront of exposing irregularities, anomalies and financial misallocations," he said in an email.
Those who wish to contribute to the Defend Malaysiakini Fund can bank in their donations to the following account:
Alternatively, you may also donate using your credit card by calling us at +603 7770 0017 or via PayPal.
