Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Media Council (MMC), established in 2025, has emerged as a new mechanism to strengthen self-regulation within the country's media industry amid growing concerns over ethics, media freedom and challenges in the digital era. MMC secretary Radzi Razak said the council was set up to provide a fairer, more professional and independent platform to manage media-related issues, particularly as cases involving the industry are increasingly shaped by social media pressure and enforcement action.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the absence of a legitimate, independent and structured industry forum previously had made it difficult to comprehensively manage issues such as complaints against the media, journalistic standards and questions surrounding media freedom within a professional framework, Radzi stated. He emphasized the urgency of the MMC's creation as the media industry faces new challenges, including artificial intelligence, digital disruption, doxxing, economic pressures, and declining public trust.
Radzi explained that the council's primary mandate under the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025 is to develop a self-regulatory system for the media industry, distinguishing its role from that of a government enforcement agency. Key responsibilities of the MMC include setting journalistic ethical standards, establishing a code of conduct, managing complaint mechanisms, and enhancing training and professional development for media practitioners.
The MMC's structure is designed to prevent any single party from monopolizing power, incorporating members from media companies, associations, independent practitioners, and non-media representatives to ensure balanced decision-making. Despite this, Radzi acknowledged ongoing confusion among media practitioners regarding the council's role, clarifying that it is a self-regulatory institution requiring industry participation.
Radzi highlighted that the council's effectiveness should be gauged by its structure, processes, and decision track record rather than claims of independence. He noted that the MMC must be willing to reprimand the media for ethical breaches while defending journalists under pressure, representing a true test of the self-regulation concept.
Addressing perceptions that the MMC has yet to assert itself in issues concerning journalists and media freedom, Radzi acknowledged the need for greater visibility of the council's functions. He stressed that while the MMC should not be overly reactive, it also cannot remain silent on critical issues.
On matters like doxxing and digital harassment, Radzi emphasized the council's serious stance due to their implications for media practitioners' safety and freedom. The MMC is developing an online complaint mechanism to systematically manage such issues and is adopting a 'standards support' approach to assess situations, provide advice, and formulate preventive guidelines.
Radzi expressed hope that National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) would serve as more than a ceremonial event, becoming a platform to address real industry issues. Organized by the Communications Ministry with Bernama as the implementing agency, the HAWANA 2026 event in Penang on June 20 will highlight the contributions and professionalism of Malaysia's media practitioners.