Editorial Policy

Editorial Policy

Effective Date: 23 September 2026

TawauKini is a digital news and media publication focused on Sabah, Malaysia and matters of public interest. This Editorial Policy sets out the principles that guide our journalism, reporting and editorial decision-making.

1. Accuracy and Verification

We seek to publish information that is accurate, relevant and fairly presented. Journalists and editors should verify material facts using reliable sources and, where practicable, primary documents, official statements, direct interviews or first-hand evidence.

Breaking news may develop quickly. When material information changes or new facts emerge, we may update an article and identify significant corrections or clarifications where appropriate.

2. Attribution and Sources

We identify the source of information where appropriate. Statements, allegations, claims and opinions are attributed to the person, organisation, document or source from which they originate.

Anonymous or confidential sources may be used when there is a legitimate public-interest reason and the information cannot reasonably be obtained through an attributable source. Such sources are subject to editorial assessment.

3. Independence

Editorial decisions are made independently of advertisers, sponsors and commercial partners. Advertising or sponsored content does not automatically influence or determine editorial coverage.

4. Sponsored and Commercial Content

Paid, sponsored, advertorial or promotional material should be clearly distinguished from independent editorial content. Commercial arrangements do not constitute an endorsement by TawauKini unless expressly stated.

5. Fairness and Right of Response

Where a report contains significant allegations or adverse claims concerning an identifiable person or organisation, we seek, where reasonably practicable, to provide an opportunity for the relevant party to respond, particularly where the response is material to understanding the issue.

6. Public Interest and Harm

We consider the public interest, accuracy and potential harm when deciding whether and how to publish sensitive information. Particular care is taken with allegations of criminal conduct, minors, victims of crime, private individuals and information that could unnecessarily expose personal data.

7. User-Submitted and Third-Party Material

User-submitted photographs, videos, statements and other materials may be verified and edited before publication. Publication does not necessarily mean that TawauKini independently adopts every claim contained in submitted material.

8. Political and Public Affairs Coverage

TawauKini may report on political parties, candidates, elected representatives, government institutions, elections and public policy. Coverage, quotation or publication of a political statement does not by itself constitute endorsement or opposition. Where claims are disputed, we seek to attribute them clearly and provide relevant context.

9. Corrections and Clarifications

We take factual accuracy seriously. Readers and affected parties may report suspected factual errors through our correction process. Where an error is established, TawauKini may correct the article, add a correction or clarification note, update the relevant information or take other appropriate editorial action.

10. AI and Editorial Tools

TawauKini may use software, automation or artificial-intelligence tools for limited editorial support such as transcription, translation, research assistance, formatting or workflow tasks. Human editorial review remains responsible for published material, and AI-generated output is not treated as a substitute for verification.

11. Conflicts of Interest

Journalists and contributors should disclose material conflicts of interest to editors. Where a conflict could reasonably affect public trust in a story, editors may reassign the story, add disclosure or take other appropriate measures.

12. Editorial Responsibility

TawauKini identifies authors or responsible editorial staff where appropriate. Our publication maintains a public contact channel for corrections, complaints and other editorial matters.

13. Updates to this Policy

This policy may be updated as our editorial practices develop. The latest version will be published on this page with its effective date.

TawauKini
Website: https://www.tawaukini.com.my/
Email: [email protected]