KUALA LUMPUR: Putrajaya is set to support the Malaysian media landscape through the newly launched Media Innovation Fund.
Speaking at the weekly media briefing today, Communications Minister Datuk Ahmad Fahmi Fadzil said the fund is part of the RM30 million allocation announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the National Journalists’ Day celebration in June.
He said the initiative is aimed at helping the domestic media industry accelerate operations and improve news dissemination in the digital era.
“This initiative is intended to encourage interactive media content, strengthen media organisations, and assist in the transformation of the industry,” said Fahmi.
The fund covers four programmes:
Media training
Software and technology adaptation
Equipment and support systems
Research and development in content creation
According to the Communications Ministry’s website, up to RM300,000 per organisation has been allocated for each programme.
“The fund is open to local media companies registered with the Information Department of Malaysia, with staff holding valid accreditation cards issued by the department,” Fahmi said.
More information is available on the ministry’s website.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said he is scheduled to meet representatives from the Malaysian Media Council next month. This follows Anwar’s remarks last night that the council should play a key role in advising the government on industry concerns and in strengthening media freedom.
“The council has just completed the appointment of its council members. I plan to meet them in the first or second week of January 2026. I have been informed that the council members have yet to elect a chairman,” said Fahmi.
“There are administrative matters that need to be addressed. I will also convey the prime minister’s message to the council to help strengthen the industry,” he added.
The newly established Malaysian Media Council serves as an independent self-regulatory body for the media industry. Its key roles include promoting high standards of ethical and responsible journalism, establishing a media code of conduct, regulating professional ethics, investigating and mediating complaints, and facilitating communication between the media, government and the public.
