Malaysia

Ministry to shift weekly press briefings to hybrid format amid global energy pressures

The Ministry of Communications will implement hybrid weekly press conferences to ease the burden on media practitioners in light of the ongoing geopolitical conflict in West Asia

Updated 6 months ago · Published on 19 Apr 2026 2:04PM

Ministry to shift weekly press briefings to hybrid format amid global energy pressures
Minister reiterates a proposal to retain the 300-litre BUDI MADANI RON95 quota for journalists is set to be tabled at the National Economic Action Council - April 19, 2026

THE weekly press briefing by the Minister of Communications will be conducted in a hybrid format as part of efforts to reduce the burden on media practitioners, following the impact of the ongoing West Asia conflict which has contributed to a wider global energy crisis.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the adjustment was also part of broader considerations involving logistical and operational challenges faced by journalists.

Responding to questions on whether media practitioners would be granted a 300-litre allocation under the BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) scheme, he said the matter is under review and will be brought to the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) meeting next Tuesday.

“For the purpose of reducing the burden on our media colleagues, the Communications Ministry’s weekly press conference will be conducted in a hybrid manner. Journalists from Kuala Lumpur will no longer need to be physically present in Putrajaya,” he said.

Previously, the Malaysian Media Clubs Coalition (GKMM) had urged the government to consider a special exemption for registered media practitioners to maintain the 300-litre monthly RON95 petrol quota.

The coalition said it had received numerous complaints from journalists, particularly those based in states requiring long-distance travel and daily commuting for news coverage assignments. - April 19, 2026

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