Media watchdogs the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) and Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) have slammed the decision by the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) to deny reporters from covering a public hearing on the council's draft local plan 2021-2035 this morning.

"It was reported that the city council barred media personnel from covering the public hearing by giving a reason that the invitation was not extended to the media but only for residents and other members of the public who lodged formal objections to the draft plan.

"This reasoning is not acceptable...