Latest news with #MMC
Sinar Daily
12 hours ago
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Malaysian Media Council is finally here - but is it too late?
KUALA LUMPUR - After decades of discussion, the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) is finally a reality. It promises to usher in a new era of transparency and accountability in the country's media landscape through self-regulation with little interference from the government. The newly established Malaysian Media Council (MMC) faces the challenge of adapting to a drastically changed media environment, where social media and AI now dominate news consumption, alongside the ongoing quest for ethical standards and press freedom. - Bernama file photo But the establishment of the MMC in 2025 comes in an era where media and how the public consumes news have undergone drastic changes from when it was first mooted in 1973 by Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, Malaysia's second prime minister. Which brings up the question: was it approved only to become obsolete? Malaysians today scroll through TikTok and Instagram Reels more than they tune in to the nightly TV news broadcasts. Few read newspapers anymore. Advertisements, which used to be the news media's primary source of income, are now on web browsers and social media, and most people refuse to pay for news that is behind a paywall. Content is produced and distributed by influencers, artificial intelligence (AI) and anonymous accounts, rather than credentialed reporters with their code of ethics and laws governing libel and slander. LONG TIME COMING The MMC has had a long gestation. Since 1973, the idea came and went multiple times but was never brought to fruition until now. The council was formally established following the passage of the Malaysian Media Council Bill 2024 by the Dewan Rakyat on Feb 26. The law was gazetted on June 13. The Malaysian Media Council Act 2025 came into effect last Saturday (June 14), coinciding with this year's HAWANA (National Journalists Day) 2025 celebration here. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who was present at the HAWANA event, announced the names of the 12 founding board members of MMC. According to the Act, the MMC will have a 21-member board comprising, among others, representatives from media companies, civil society and government agencies, as well as media practitioners. It is tasked with upholding ethical standards, resolving complaints and improving the welfare of media workers, including freelancers and digital journalists. Media experts and interested parties have lauded the MMC as a positive move to safeguard the freedom of the press. The 2020 MMC pro tem report includes objectives such as "(promoting) the development of good journalism, while creating a recourse for public accountability, independent of the government of the day'. It may also recommend reforms to laws such as the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) and the Official Secrets Act (OSA) as critics have cited these laws as obstacles to good investigative journalism in the country. At the HAWANA forum last Saturday, members of the panel discussion on 'Malaysian Media Council: Regulator or Media Protector?' told the audience that the MMC would support the passage of new legislation, such as the Freedom of Information Act (FOI). "We've called for a Freedom of Information Act so that journalists can petition the government to reveal information,' Premesh Chandran, former chairman of the MMC pro tem committee, told Bernama later. Calls to reform or repeal laws such as PPPA and OSA have intensified alongside the MMC's launch. During the forum, Wathshlah G. Naidu, executive director of the Centre for Independent Journalism, said the original MMC pro tem committee had proposed repealing the PPPA but "those sections were the first to be negotiated out' of the final MMC Bill. Currently, only Selangor and Penang have state-level FOI enactments, which are limited in reach. At the federal level, progress on the drafting of a FOI Act has been slow. THE GROUND HAS SHIFTED "You can see that as every new technology has appeared, media has shifted,' Premesh, who is also co-founder of 'Malaysiakini' and founding member of MMC, said at the HAWANA Forum. "So what's ahead? The new technology that's coming in today is AI. And that, again, is going to reconfigure the entire media space. And with that, also the business model of media.' Indeed, AI and social media are already reshaping how Malaysians get their news. While legacy outlets still do the heavy lifting of original reporting, content often finds its audience through algorithmic recommendation, viral resharing or AI-driven summaries. The MMC has no jurisdiction over social media platforms as they come within the purview of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). A recent study by the Reuters Institute found that social media and video platforms are the main source of news in the United States with more than half (54 percent) surveyed saying they get news from Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube. TV news got 50 percent of respondents while news portals and apps got 48 percent. The survey also found that seven percent of Americans, 12 percent under the age of 35, use AI platforms for news. Experts expect the number to grow in the years to come. While the HAWANA forum panelists stated their support for AI and their commitment to integrating it into the newsroom, the MMC has yet to articulate a strategy for engaging with them as a news source. What they stressed was the importance of educating and creating awareness among the masses on the best way to consume media and how to discern misinformation from credible news. Naidu pointed out during the same forum that building trust with the public was key. "The MMC must not just be insular. It must build public trust and educate people to make informed choices - because the media alone can't compete with echo chambers and divisive content spreading through platforms.' Monetisation remains the biggest challenge to producing good journalism, however. Beyond ethics and regulation, the media industry is grappling with financial strain. Advertisement revenue has migrated to platforms like Google and TikTok. Local outlets face shrinking newsrooms, low pay and an exodus of talent to better-paying sectors. Some freelance journalists are forced to self-publish through Substack or TikTok just to stay visible. While countries like Australia have introduced revenue-sharing laws for platforms that profit from journalistic content, Malaysia has not followed suit. DEFINING JOURNALISM A major challenge for the MMC will be defining who counts as a journalist and whether they fall under MMC's jurisdiction. "Citizen journalists are not journalists,' said Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Murad Merican, media scholar at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation at International Islamic University Malaysia. 'They are the many people who have phones and cameras who report only (the scene of a news incident). What verifies the news or gives credibility to the content is the reporter, the newsrooms, the news reporter, the news organisation, the media organisation.' Still, others believe there must be room for freelancers and digital-first journalists - which include fresh graduates and trained professionals laid off by traditional media. Premesh said anyone willing to follow the standards and code of conduct that the MMC would be setting, be they freelancers or legacy media, would be recognised as journalists. He added the MMC could provide a form of voluntary certification for independent media outlets and freelance journalists who commit to its ethical guidelines. But, as Premesh noted, this requires public awareness and platform cooperation. "How do we manage or improve distribution so people are aware that this is coming from a credited source versus an uncredited source. And that is definitely something that the media council can play a role in,' he said. A GOOD START All in all, the MMC is a positive move, even if the media landscape has changed from when Tun Razak first suggested it. Industry stakeholders across the board have welcomed the MMC as a critical step forward. "Certainly, the HAWANA 2025 stage has become a historic moment for us, the media fraternity, to celebrate with smiles of joy as the dream of seeing this council finally becomes a reality,' said 'Utusan Borneo Sabah' editor-in-chief Datuk Lichong Angkui, as reported by Bernama. He expressed hope that the council would not just be a regulator but a strong, independent protector of media freedom in Malaysia. Similar hopes were echoed by Tawau Journalists and Media Practitioners Association (Pewarta) deputy chairman Tamrin Jamil, who called the MMC "a crucial support system' and a sign of the government's commitment to institutional reform. But hopes must now be matched with action to address the impact of emerging technologies, including digital media and Generative AI, and develop guidelines for Malaysian media practitioners. In short, the MMC's potential is undeniable - it can build trust, protect journalists and create a unified ethical baseline in a fragmented industry, including finding a way to monetise content for traditional media, accrediting not just legacy outlets but credible independent voices, collaborating across regulatory bodies and with civil society watchdogs, and actively educating the public about how to distinguish journalism from 'noise'. "The day the media council is born, our problems are not going to be solved,' said Premesh. "Right? Nothing was built in a day. It's how we use the opportunity provided to create what we want (in order) to get there.' - BERNAMA
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Malegaon Civic Polls: No change in wards, corporators count from 2017 local body elections
Nashik: Malegaon Municipal Corporation (MMC) has started the process of ward delimitation. MMC officials said the ward count and number of corporators would be the same as in 2017 civic polls, but there may be some changes in ward boundaries. The process will be completed as per the schedule. There were 21 wards and 84 corporators during the 2017 civic polls in Malegaon. Now, the number of wards and corporators will remain the same, but there may be some changes in the boundaries of some wards. The ward delimitation process includes census data review, site inspections, Google map-based mapping of wards, on-site boundary verification, draft approval by the committee, submission to the state election commission, draft publication, seeking suggestions and objections, hearing on objections, finalisation and submission to the state election commission, and final notification by the commissioner. The previous five-year term of Malegaon Municipal Corporation ended on June 14, 2022. During the last civic polls held in May 2017, Congress emerged as the single largest party by winning 28 seats and came to power jointly with Shiv Sena, which won 13 seats. NCP-Janata Dal (secular) jointly contested the election and won 26 seats. BJP and AIMIM won 9 and 7 seats, respectively. In Jan this year, all 28 Congress corporators, including mayor Tahira Sheikh, quit the party and joined NCP.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Social media is a tool to boost engagement, not accuracy
At the recent National Journalists Day (Hawana) 2025 forum, senior academician Professor Datuk Dr Murad Merican raised a core question that Malaysia must urgently address: What exactly is journalism and who qualifies as a journalist? This question is at the heart of the discussion on the Malaysian Media Council (MMC), a long-delayed but crucial initiative to address journalism's crisis in an era of digital overload, artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content and influencer-driven narratives. Let's be clear: social media is a tool, not a newsroom. Platforms like Facebook, TikTok, X and Instagram are designed to boost engagement, not accuracy. Their algorithms reward speed, emotion and sensationalism. Journalism on the other hand is a profession rooted in verification, accountability, ethics and serving the public interest. Unfortunately, the public is increasingly confusing popular content creators with professional journalists. Politicians, corporations and even governments now bypass the media and communicate directly through social platforms. While this might seem like a form of democratic communication, it undermines the editorial checks that ensure accuracy and ethical standards. Murad's reminder that not everyone is a journalist isn't elitist, its necessary. Sharing information doesn't make someone a journalist. Journalism involves reporting, analysing, contextualising and holding power to account. Comparing a viral post to investigative journalism is like comparing a Google search to expert legal advice; one is quick and convenient, the other requires training and standards, which bring consequences if ignored. This is where the MMC must step in as a leader in defining, defending and strengthening journalism as a profession. FIRST, the MMC must set clear professional standards. Just like doctors and lawyers, journalists need ethical codes, formal training, peer reviews and disciplinary frameworks. SECOND, journalism ethics should be included in legal frameworks. Not to restrict media freedom, but to protect it. Ethical journalism must be shielded from political interference, commercial manipulation and digital abuse. Only with strong ethical foundations can public trust in media be restored. THIRD, MMC should establish a media tribunal. This tribunal wouldn't censor journalists but offer a fair mechanism for public complaints and protect the integrity of journalism. When people feel misled or harmed by news, they should have access to a fair process without turning to defamation suits or laws that suppress free speech. Social media creators, bloggers and citizen commentators may offer valuable views but they are not journalists unless they follow the same standards of fact-checking, ethics and accountability. Even though citizen journalism has a role, we must stop equating virality with credibility. Things are even more complicated with AI. Today, AI tools can generate articles that mimic journalism, copy a journalist's tone and even create realistic deepfake videos. Without clear standards, the public could lose the ability to distinguish between real journalism and fake content. Thus MMC must prepare for the future. At the forum, experts proposed creating a Social Media Council of Malaysia that would oversee digital content on social platforms, setting ethical guidelines for content creators, influencers and even official accounts. The goal is to prevent the spread of false information, hate speech and unethical communication. Another worrying trend is the closure of comment sections by mainstream news outlets. While concerns about online abuse, legal risks and moderation challenges are real, shutting down public interaction signals a breakdown of trust between the media and its audience. The MMC must help rebuild that trust by promoting media literacy, encouraging feedback and supporting healthy criticism. Journalism will always have a "tennis match" relationship with power, sometimes cooperative, but often adversarial. This tension is not a flaw but a feature of a working democracy. The MMC's job is not to eliminate that tension, but ensure the game is fair. It must stand by journalists when they're attacked and stand with the public when journalists fail their ethical standards. Malaysia has long needed a strong, independent media council. The MMC must go beyond regulation and lead a cultural change, reclaiming the values of truth, depth and responsibility in public conversation. Journalism is not just content. It is a public service, civic duty and profession that must be protected, not reduced to hashtags and hype.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Tshwane writes off billions in municipal debt through relief scheme
Tshwane writes off billions in municipal debt through relief scheme The Tshwane metro has written off more than R4.4-billion. The metro received more than 20 000 amnesty applications from residents who tampered with electricity meters and more than 1 000 applications under its incentive and debt relief scheme by the May 31 deadline. Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said, 'A total of 20 056 amnesty applications from those who tampered with electricity meters were received. 'The number might rise slightly as counting wraps up. For the incentive and debt relief scheme, we received 1 033 applications, with a total debt of more than R147-million.' Mashigo said the metro reported a late rush in submissions. 'More than 50% of the applications were received in the last week before closing,' he said. All applications received under the debt relief scheme have already been approved. This initiative, championed by Deputy Mayor and MMC for Finance, Eugene Modise, was designed to ease the financial burden of municipal debt and provide residents with a clean slate. According to Mashigo, some settled with a component of arrangements which allowed applicants to benefit from partial write-off after entering into payment agreements. As for the electricity amnesty process, which targeted illegal meter tampering, the metro said it already captured 17 140 of the 20 056 forms, and 10 741 were issued to the electricity department. However, only 300 have been normalised so far, a small fraction given the scale of applications. 'The process is ongoing until all legible [applications] have been normalised.' Mashigo said that while the debt relief approvals are nearly finished, the amnesty programme is still in progress. 'One month from now for debt relief is the expected turnaround time, but for tampered meters, the period might be slightly longer, depending on the electricity department. 'The total value of municipal debt written off through the combination of indigent relief, inactive accounts, and incentive schemes stands at a staggering R4.4-billion.' He said the incentive and debt relief scheme helped write off R66.4-million in debt owed by 918 residential accounts and 66 businesses, who together owed R147.4-million. Of this, R81-million was either collected or arranged to be paid. 'The scheme is not a simple debt write-off arrangement. 'The metro incentivised customers to settle a portion of their municipal accounts and/or enter into a settlement arrangement to benefit from a write-off of a portion of the debt.' Although the amnesty campaign focused exclusively on electricity, the incentive scheme covered all services, including water, refuse, and sanitation. The metro did not separate electricity-specific debt from the rest of the write-offs. Mashigo said on the indigent relief side, about R2.4-million was written off from 85 361 indigent accounts, an intervention aimed at aiding the poorest residents. The metro plans to review the effectiveness of the campaign, and the outcome of that review will inform the next course of action. Mashigo said Tshwane's credit control and debt collection policy remains the central guide in future financial strategy. This policy includes ongoing recovery measures such as disconnections and prepaid blocking. 'Measures such as credit control activities, disconnection of services and prepaid blocking are implemented to recover revenue for services consumed. 'The metro's revenue recovery has been enhanced by the R81-million recovered or committed to through arrangements.' Also Read: BEE is bringing South Africa's economy to its knees – new report Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia Media Council to boost inclusive media growth
KUALA LUMPUR: The establishment of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) is expected to support and develop the media industry across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak, ensuring inclusive and equitable growth for all regions. Kuching Division Journalists Association president and MMC founding board member, Ronnie Teo Teck Wei, expressed this hope, emphasising the need for a robust support system to empower local media agencies and practitioners. 'It is an honour to be part of this founding board for the Malaysia Media Council, representing Sarawak. 'It is my hope that, with the MMC, we can support and develop the media industry across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, ensuring inclusive and equitable growth for all regions,' he told Bernama, today. He highlighted the importance of strengthening local media, particularly in Sarawak, amid rapid technological advancements. 'We need to act as a key support system for local media agencies and practitioners, especially in Sarawak, to help the industry thrive amid rapid technological advancements. 'It is also crucial for caring for the welfare of media workers, and holding media owners accountable for fair labour practices and ethical reporting,' he said. Meanwhile, Gerakan Media Merdeka (GERAMM) representative to the board, Mohd Radzi Abdul Razak, expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him to serve as a board member of the MMC. He said that the establishment of the council marked a significant milestone in the long-term effort to strengthen Malaysia's media ecosystem, to be more independent, accountable, and professional. 'For over a decade, GERAMM, alongside fellow media practitioners, has championed the creation of a self-regulatory body, which is truly free from political interference and vested interests,' he said. 'My appointment to the founding board is a responsibility to uphold the original spirit of the struggle, and to carry it forward in shaping the policies, guidelines and frameworks of the MMC,' he said. Mohd Radzi reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the council operates independently, fairly and transparently, in regulating the media industry. 'I welcome input and suggestions from all stakeholders, so that MMC can truly function as a respected, independent and trusted body,' he added. The list of the founding board members of the MMC was announced by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil during the HAWANA 2025 main celebration, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), today. Besides Teo and Mohd Radzi, other board members include Borneo Post and Utusan Borneo general manager Wong Yang Yong; Daily Express editor-in-chief Datuk Sardahthisa James; Malaysiakini chief executive officer Premesh Chandran Jeyachandran; and Astro Awani editor-in-chief Ashwad Ismail. Also appointed to the board are National Union of Journalists Peninsular Malaysia (NUJ) secretary-general Teh Athira Mohamed Yusof; Tamil Media Association of Malaysia president S. Muthameez Manan; Mohd Azmyl Md Yusof; Gayathry S. Venkiteswaran; Celine Lim; and Terence Ooi Guan Tseng.
