Press groups alarmed by proposed online media licensing

Media rights groups were alarmed by Putrajaya’s purported proposal to amend the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, which included imposing a licensing requirement for online media.

In a joint statement today, National Union Journalists Malaysia (NUJM), Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), and Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) condemned the move and labelled it another form of restricting press freedom. 

“According to the information received, the amendments by Home Ministry include reinstating the requirement for licence renewal (every three years) and expanding the definition of publication to include digital and electronic content.

“This has raised concerns about how online platforms and user-generated content will be monitored and controlled,” it said after concluding the Media Solidarity Festival: By the Media for the Media event in Kuala Lumpur today.

In May 2024, government stakeholders were in consultation with media industry players over proposed amendments to the controversial law and are mulling to expand existing controls to include content on digital media.

According to a Home Ministry report on a public consultation held last month over proposed amendments to the PPPA, the discussions noted how the publishing industry has evolved along with technological advances.

Explain, demonstrate reform commitment

Since coming into power, the Madani coalition has come under scrutiny over its treatment of the media as Malaysia fell 34 spots from 73rd last year after being placed 107th in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) 2024 World Press Freedom rankings.

For the first time in three years, Malaysia does not top the rankings for Asean countries, with Thailand attaining 87th place.

Apart from imposing licences, the groups pointed out that the government is also mulling to expand criminal offences and introduce harsher penalties.

Elaborating further, the media rights groups urged the Home Ministry to provide a clear explanation of the situation on the proposed amendments. 

“This is a critical moment for the Madani government to demonstrate its commitment to reform. There should be no attempt to undermine media freedom, especially when the government is planning to table the Media Council Malaysia Bill," it added.

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