Kuala lumpur: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has proposed that a retreat session with media practitioners be held at every future edition of the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) celebration. He stated that the ministry would request the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) to coordinate in organising the retreat session to ensure it runs smoothly. The session is intended to serve as a platform to collect feedback, views, insights, and proposals from the industry for submission to the government. These proposals may relate to policy matters or amendments to existing acts and laws, including issues concerning the sustainability and long-term viability of the media industry.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi made these remarks at a press conference following a dialogue session between the Communications Minister and the media held in conjunction with HAWANA 2026. Attendees at the nearly two-hour session included Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, deputy secretary-general (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Bernama chief executive officer and HAWANA 2026 working committee chair Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, MMC chairman Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan, and senior management from local media organisations.

Fahmi elaborated that a key challenge currently facing the industry is economic, particularly regarding mainstream media content on social media platforms, which does not generate financial return or profit. He expressed hope that the Malaysian Media Council could engage in discussions with social media platforms, adding that the government is ready to provide assistance in the relevant processes.