JOHOR BARU, Sept 8 — Two women journalists were allegedly harrassed by several officials accompanying the Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail on Tuesday, according to Johor Media Club president Mohamad Fauzi Ishak.

He said the alleged incidents occurred during two campaign events in Taman Anggerik and Taman Dahlia here on September 5.

He said several officers escorting the minister were trying to control a group of media practitioners during Saifuddin’s press conference.

"This included touching the hand of a female journalist who was recording the press conference.

"The escort officer also pinched the back of another female journalist several times in order to prevent her from performing her duties during the press conference,” he alleged in a statement issued tonight.

Mohamad Fauzi said the journalist shouting "don’t touch me” was also recorded during the press conference.

He added that a press photographer was also pushed by an escort while taking pictures during the press conference.

"The following incidents have raised concerns among media practitioners about security issues while covering the Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state by-elections,” he said.

Mohamad Fauzi said the act of touching the hand and pinching of the female journalists caused them to feel uncomfortable and intimidated.

He said the act can also be considered sexual harassment.

"The Johor Media Club views these issues as a serious matter that should not happen and could have been avoided.

"The media should be given the space and opportunity to carry out their duties in conveying information to the community,” he said.

Both the Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state by-elections are being held following the death of incumbent Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, who was also the minister of domestic trade and cost of living on July 23.

The Election Commission has set the polling day for both by-elections on September 9, which is tomorrow.