PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA January 15, 2025 – – Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has announced that the Majlis Media Malaysia (Malaysian Media Council) has officially commenced operations, marking a key milestone in enhancing media ethics and self-regulation in the country.
In a video statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) yesterday, Fahmi expressed gratitude, stating, “Alhamdulillah, Majlis Media Malaysia sudah mula beroperasi.” He noted that during a recent meeting with council representatives on Monday, they informed him that the body is currently finalizing essential administrative matters. This serves as an initial step before the council can fully execute its broader responsibilities.
The establishment of the Majlis Media Malaysia follows years of advocacy, with the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025 gazetted in June last year after parliamentary approval earlier in 2024. The council, an independent self-regulatory body, aims to uphold integrity, transparency, and responsible journalism while providing a platform for checks and balances within the media industry.
Highlights from Fahmi’s video include the council’s focus on fundamental aspects such as administrative setup, mechanisms for journalists to manage public inquiries on media reporting, and encouraging media organizations—particularly newspapers—to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) not as a replacement for human efforts but as a complementary tool. The minister also referenced an allocation of RM30 million, underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting media aspirations and innovations.
Fahmi emphasized that this development is an achievement for the industry, urging stakeholders to appreciate the opportunity and collaborate effectively. “Ini satu pencapaian,” he said, highlighting the need for a short period to resolve key aspects before full operations.
The council’s founding board was appointed in July 2025, with Fahmi personally handing over letters to members during a ceremony in Putrajaya. Previous discussions in December focused on addressing regressive laws, funding, and operational logistics.
This move aligns with the broader Malaysia MADANI agenda, promoting a safer and more ethical digital and media landscape. As the council transitions into full functionality, it is expected to play a pivotal role in fostering media freedom and professionalism in Malaysia.
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