The local media boycotted the 2015 Paintball World Cup (PWC) championship, which ended in Langkawi today, claiming that they have been totally sidelined by the organisers.

Journalists from print and electronic media were clearly disappointed with the treatment they received from the organisers, who were said to have focused their attention only on foreign media covering the three-day championship at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) in Langkawi.

After covering the opening ceremony on Thursday and the first day of the championship on Friday, the local media decided to boycott the second day on Saturday and the final day of the championship, today.

The fifth edition of the championship, jointly organised by Darul Aman Youth Club and Asia League Series Paintball Sports Club, was participated by 138 teams from 38 countries, including Malaysia.

Local journalist, Mohd Asraf Zulkafli, claimed that they did not even get the chance to use the facilities at the media centre at the MIEC as the facilities were reserved for foreign media use only.

"Even to enter the tournament area, we are subject to various restrictions, but members of foreign media could come and go as they please," he said.

Mohd Asraf said several media personnel from Alor Setar, who were provided accommodation by the organisers in a hotel in Jalan Pantai Kok in Langkawi, were also asked to move to another hotel.

One of the journalists, Mohd Afiq Hambali, said the organisers did not give any reasons why the decision was taken and this had created problems for him.

"Since day one, I had been having problems to send pictures taken at the tournament because I was not allowed to use the facilities at the media centre," he said.

Mohd Adie Sufian Zulkefli, also expressed his disappointment over the organisers' treatment for the local media and their hesitation in giving any clarification on the matter.

Due to the lack of access to competition venues, information, results and schedule of events, members of the local media decided not to cover the championship beginning yesterday.

The local media also claimed that this was not the first time they were sidelined as they had faced the same problem during the Asian World Cup championship last year.

They said they were not expecting a special treatment from the organisers, but to be treated professionally so they could discharge their duties in an efficient manner.

Meanwhile, the organisers remained uncontactable for comments.

- Bernama