Fahmi Vows Fair Pay For Malaysian Media Content On Social Platforms

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Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil hopes the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) will take the lead in organising a retreat involving local media organisations to gather feedback and concerns amid mounting worries over the long-term sustainability of the country’s media industry.

Speaking to reporters after a roundtable discussion with industry players during the National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) 2026 celebrations in Butterworth, Penang, Fahmi said that the retreat would serve as a platform to gather feedback, proposals and recommendations from industry players before bringing them to the government’s attention.

These could include policy proposals, amendments to existing laws and regulations, as well as broader issues affecting the long-term viability of Malaysia’s media landscape.

Fahmi said that social media platforms benefit from news content generated by traditional media without providing commensurate returns.

“For me, one of the most pressing challenges at the moment is the economic pressure faced by media companies, especially when social media platforms do not provide fair compensation relative to the amount of content produced and consumed by audiences,” he said.

Fahmi expressed hope that the MMC would engage with social media companies on the issue, adding that the government was prepared to assist in facilitating such discussions.

He also highlighted concerns over the spread of misinformation and unethical content online, noting that mainstream media generally adheres to professional standards when reporting sensitive issues, including suicide cases.

Separately, Fahmi said discussions with his counterpart from Timor-Leste had gone well, with both countries exploring closer cooperation involving RTM and their respective media agencies.

He also proposed that the Tun Abdul Razak Broadcasting and Information Institute (IPPTAR) host training programmes for journalists from Timor-Leste.

Fahmi noted that Timor-Leste currently ranks first in Southeast Asia in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index, with Malaysia occupying second place in the region.

Despite ranking second in Southeast Asia behind Timor-Leste, Malaysia was placed 95th globally, while Timor-Leste ranked 30th out of 180 countries surveyed.

However, Fahmi said Malaysia’s position has improved considerably under the Madani government compared to previous years although he added that there remains room for further reforms and initiatives aimed at strengthening press freedom and improving the country’s standing in the index.

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Fahmi Vows Fair Pay For Malaysian Media Content On Social Platforms
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