Cambodia asks CNA to correct report on missing Singaporean after probe clears trafficking claims

Cambodia's Ministry of Information has formally requested Singapore-based Channel News Asia (CNA) to issue a public correction, asserting that its investigation found no evidence of human trafficking or unlawful detention concerning a Singaporean woman. The ministry stated that Siti Aishah Siregar traveled to Cambodia of her own accord to address emotional distress and family pressures, and that no trafficking, kidnapping, or scam-related crime occurred.

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The case has been resolved and officially clarified that it bears no connection to human trafficking or any online scam offence, contrary to reports carried by certain foreign media outlets

Ministry spokesperson Tep Asnarith declared that the case was resolved and clarified, bearing no connection to human trafficking or online scams, contrary to reports from some foreign media. The woman herself confirmed in a video message that she was not coerced, deceived, or endangered after arriving in Cambodia.

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At the initial stage of reporting, Channel News Asia rushed to publish the story by relying only on one-sided claims and sources of suspicion, together with the family’s social media appeals, while linking the case to negative narratives about human trafficking and online scams before obtaining official information or investigation findings from the Cambodian authorities

The ministry criticized CNA's initial report for relying heavily on the family's concerns and social media appeals before verifying information with Cambodian authorities. This approach, the ministry argued, resulted in an inaccurate portrayal and unfairly damaged the Kingdom's reputation. "At the initial stage of reporting, Channel News Asia rushed to publish the story by relying only on one-sided claims and sources of suspicion... before obtaining official information or investigation findings from the Cambodian authorities," the statement read.

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The media organisation should demonstrate professional responsibility by issuing a separate public correction with the same prominence as the original report that cast suspicion on Cambodia, in order to clear public misunderstanding, restore justice and repair the country’s reputation

While acknowledging CNA updated its article after Cambodia released its findings, the ministry deemed a quiet amendment insufficient. Asnarith insisted the media organization must demonstrate professional responsibility by issuing a separate public correction with the same prominence as the original report to clear public misunderstanding, restore justice, and repair the country's reputation. The ministry also reiterated four principles of responsible journalism: rigorous fact-checking, balanced reporting including official sources, professional accountability for errors, and respect for privacy.

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a violation of fundamental journalistic principles cannot be erased through silent edits or updates