COMMUNICATIONS Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has announced the founding board of the Malaysian Media Council, today.
The council includes representatives from media companies, journalist associations, practitioners, and civil society.
Malaysiakini co-founder Premesh Chandran will serve as chairman of the pro-tem committee.
Other appointees include NUJ secretary-general Teh Athira Yusof, Astro Awani editor Ashwad Ismail, and Geramm president Radzi Razak.
Daily Express editor Datuk Sardahthisa James and Borneo Post general manager Wong Yang Yong are also on the board.
The council also includes Kuching journalist Ronnie Teo, Tamil media leader Muthameez Manan, and academic Dr Gayathri S. Venkiteswaran.
Independent members Mohd Azmyl Md Yusof, Celine Lim, and Terence Ooi complete the 12-member council.
Fahmi said the formation follows the passing of the Malaysian Media Council Bill 2024 in Parliament on February 26.
“This is the first time in 50 years we’ve passed such a law,” he said at the 2025 National Journalists Day (Hawana) celebration.
The new law allows for industry-led self-regulation and ethics enforcement.
Fahmi also announced continued welfare aid for freelance and part-time journalists.
Over RM31,000 has been allocated for PERKESO protection under the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme this year.
More than 530 media stringers benefited from the scheme last year.
Additional aid of RM15,000 will be channelled through the i-Saraan retirement scheme under EPF.
Fahmi also revealed a 50% AirAsia discount for over 12,000 journalists to ASEAN destinations.
The deal is part of Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship year.
As of June 4, a total of 12,428 active media practitioners are registered with the Department of Information and hold official media accreditation cards. Of this, 12,297 are Malaysian citizens. - June 14, 2025
