The Maldives Media Council (MMC) will be accrediting local journalists for proper qualification and knowledge.
MMC stressed on the irresponsible conduct by a local journalist during Sunday evening's presser, where the individual have now become alleged with posing xenophobic questions.
The council will be formulating a policy on accrediting journalists in a not too distant future.
The media council have stepped up with the decision with mounting criticism on one local journalist for the using or apparent racist language towards Bangladeshi nationals during the press briefing.
Contrary to the usage in Sinhalese and Tamil, the Dhivehi language variation of the word used commonly at Bangladeshi nationals are considered a slang or a derogatory term.
On Sunday, 19 April 2020, it was reported that a batch of 13 expatriates tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Later it was confirmed all 13 expats were employed at Lily Enterprises.
The undignified living conditions for Bangladeshi nationals in Maldives have always been a pressing matter, and such restrained living quarters with overwhelming number of people will elevate chances on contracting diseases.
During Sunday evening's press conference, Dr Nazla Rafiq, who sits in the doctors panel of the COVID-19 task force was directed with the said racist question by a local journalist.
Dr Nazla Rafiq then intervened the local journalist before the question was completed, and urged to respect expatriates and called out to treat them with respect and kindness.
