MINISTER of Communications Datuk Fahmi Fadzil urged media and communication professionals to embrace their role in shaping positive societal change and promoting wellbeing.
AT the opening of the 19th Biennial International Media and Communication Conference (MENTION2025) in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, Fahmi highlighted the conference theme, “Media and Communication for Change: Advancing Societal Transformation and Wellbeing,” as highly relevant in an era of “information overload.”
He emphasised that media’s responsibility extends beyond conveying information to shaping narratives that benefit society.
“My presence here is not merely to fulfil an invitation but also to demonstrate the Ministry of Communications’ commitment to developing a progressive, responsible and wellbeing-oriented media and communication ecosystem,” he said.
Fahmi also acknowledged the 50th anniversary of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Centre for Research in Media and Communication, praising its role in producing media professionals of integrity and social responsibility.
“Five decades of dedication have contributed to the development of Malaysia’s media landscape that we enjoy today,” he said.
Addressing current challenges, the minister noted that Malaysians spend an average of eight hours online daily, citing over 15,000 complaints last year related to harmful content, fake news, and cybercrime.
“Media literacy and responsible communication are no longer optional – they are basic necessities for the survival of our digital society,” he said.
Fahmi outlined several key initiatives, including Social Behaviour Change Communication campaigns in public health, environmental sustainability, and national unity.
He also stressed the urgency of tackling misinformation and disinformation, announcing plans for legal frameworks, ethical guidelines for social media influencers, and an AI in media framework to ensure responsible use.
He added that that are five priority areas, being, integrating media and digital literacy into education, promoting inclusive intercultural communication, strengthening health communication, empowering youth as responsible digital advocates, and fostering cooperation between government, academia, media, and civil society.
“The Ministry of Communications is committed to continuing to support research and development initiatives in the field of media and communication… Research conducted in ivory towers must have practical applications that can be translated into policies and programmes that benefit the people,” Fahmi said.
He concluded by encouraging conference participants to collaborate and contribute actionable recommendations for the transformation of Malaysia’s media landscape.
“Let us together make media and communication an instrument of positive change that brings wellbeing to all Malaysians,” he said. - October 28, 2025
