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THE Communications Ministry has called for industry-wide consultations on the implementation of a work-from-home policy for media practitioners, stressing that the welfare of media personnel will remain the central consideration.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the Malaysian Media Council would be asked to engage with media organisations and stakeholders to gather comprehensive feedback before any decision is finalised.
“I will also request the Department of Information to take the necessary measures, including gathering public feedback. Any further considerations will then be forwarded to the KPPA (Public Service director-general) and communicated to the Cabinet and the ministry,” he said at a press conference today.
The proposed move comes amid a broader government initiative to expand flexible working arrangements in response to global energy challenges.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently announced that a work-from-home policy for the public sector and government-linked companies will take effect from April 15 as part of efforts to reduce fuel consumption and safeguard national energy sustainability.
The decision, approved by the Cabinet, is intended to ease pressure arising from rising energy costs linked to ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Under guidelines issued by the Public Service Department, eligible federal civil servants in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Selangor and all state capitals with a one-way commute exceeding eight kilometres will be allowed to work remotely on designated days.
States observing Sunday as a weekly rest day will adopt work-from-home arrangements from Tuesday to Thursday, while those observing Friday as a rest day will implement them from Monday to Wednesday.
Fahmi’s announcement signals that similar considerations may be extended to the media sector, although any adoption will depend on industry feedback and further policy evaluation.
Earlier, the minister witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and the Securities Commission Malaysia to strengthen enforcement cooperation in tackling online scams, highlighting the government’s parallel focus on digital safety and regulatory coordination.
The consultation process is expected to inform a balanced approach that maintains operational efficiency in the media industry while supporting workforce well-being under evolving economic conditions. - April 3, 2026