MALAYSIA, KUALA LUMPUR, June 14, 2025 — Communications Minister Datuk Ahmad Fahmi Fadzil announced today that the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025 has officially taken effect, coinciding with National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2025.
The bill, passed earlier this year by both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, represents a landmark step in media reform.
The Act shifts Malaysia’s media landscape from government intervention to self-regulation, ensuring both press freedom and accountability. It establishes a framework for resolving complaints and disputes related to media reporting, reducing reliance on judicial processes like civil lawsuits or criminal prosecutions. Actions against online media practitioners under laws such as the Communications and Multimedia Act are also expected to decrease.
“Media plays a critical role in a democratic society as a check and balance on the government, but it must also be accountable,” said Syahredzan Johan, Bangi MP and DAP National Vice-Chairman. “This Act strikes a balance between safeguarding media freedom and ensuring responsibility.”
The legislation reflects the MADANI government’s commitment to institutional reform and fulfills a key promise from Pakatan Harapan’s “Kita Boleh” manifesto for the 15th General Election. Syahredzan urged the government to further review laws restricting media freedom, such as the Printing Presses and Publications Act, to align with constitutional guarantees of free speech.
The Malaysian Media Council Act is hailed as a historic milestone in strengthening the nation’s democratic framework while promoting a responsible and independent media ecosystem.
