COMMUNICATIONS Minister and government spokesperson, Datuk Fahmi Fadzi, has confirmed that the proposed amendments to the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (Act 736) are expected to be tabled in Parliament by the upcoming sitting or no later than October.
Speaking at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, Fahmi said the proposed revisions form part of a broader policy decision led by the Ministry of Home Affairs, following a commitment made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament on February 13.
“The Minister of Home Affairs Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail informed the Cabinet that from 2022 to 2024, 99 per cent of all peaceful assembly applications in Malaysia were approved,” said Fahmi. “This is a very encouraging figure when we look at the statistics, but we believe the amendments to be tabled will further strengthen the public’s right to peaceful assembly.”
The Prime Minister had previously announced that the government had agreed to amend Act 736 to streamline and support the implementation of peaceful gatherings across the country. Among the expected changes is the removal of Section 11 of the Act, which currently requires organisers to obtain consent from the owner or occupier of the location where a gathering is to be held.
However, organisers would still be required to notify the Police at least five days before the event to allow for adequate safety, control, and traffic arrangements.
Subsidy Reform for Eggs Begins in May as Government Ensures Supply Stability
In a separate announcement, Fahmi said the government would begin phasing out egg subsidies starting May 1, while ensuring close monitoring to prevent any disruption in supply or price spikes that could affect consumers.
The withdrawal process will be overseen by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) alongside the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM). The subsidy, which currently stands at RM0.10 per egg, will be reduced to RM0.05 on May 1 and eliminated entirely by August 1, 2025. Price controls will also be lifted in stages.
“Egg subsidies were introduced at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the supply chain was disrupted. But today, with stabilised production and improved stock levels, the Cabinet views KPKM’s proposal to remove subsidies as appropriate,” Fahmi explained.
He added, “The proposed decision by KPKM is justified not only for subsidy savings but also because current egg supply exceeds demand.”
KPKM has assured that production levels remain strong and sustainable, and pledged to implement intervention measures if cost-of-living pressures arise.
RM13 Million Boost for Malaysia’s Creative Sector Through New Funding Schemes
Furthering its commitment to cultural development, the government has allocated RM13 million this year to enhance the nation’s creative arts landscape. The funding will be distributed via two schemes administered by MyCreative Ventures: the Music Industry Creative Content Fund (Dana Kandungan Kreatif or DKK) and the 2025 Matching Grant Scheme (Skim Dana Padanan or SDP).
Applications for the DKK Music Industry Fund open immediately, with categories covering Music Performance Grants (open until 11 June), International Marketing and Promotion, and Domestic Marketing and Promotion (available year-round).
“To date, the DKK Music Industry Fund has disbursed RM23 million to 223 recipients, based on merit, feasibility, and market potential – strengthening the national music ecosystem,” Fahmi noted.
The SDP 2025 scheme offers 1-to-1 matching grants of up to RM250,000 per successful project. Eligible projects must be led by registered Malaysian entities and can include performing arts, visual arts, crafts, music, digital content, or interdisciplinary creative fields.
“Applications from creative sectors beyond MyCreative’s core portfolio will also be considered, provided they meet the programme’s criteria and objectives,” Fahmi added. - April 30, 2025
