New developments regarding the Malaysian Media Council are expected to be announced during the National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) 2025 summit on June 14, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

He said the council was established to defend media freedom, ensure fair and responsible reporting, and serve as a channel for the public to voice complaints against the media in a civil manner.

“In building this ecosystem, another important achievement was recorded this year when the Dewan Rakyat passed the Malaysian Media Council Bill 2024 in February.

“After more than 50 years of discussion, our country has finally succeeded in establishing the Malaysian Media Council, a self-regulatory body that brings together all types of media, including print, broadcast, and digital media,” he said.

Fahmi was speaking at the Hawana 2025-Bernama Strategic Partners’ Appreciation Ceremony and Official Launch of Bernama-Motorhome in Kuala Lumpur today.

Also present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Fauzi Isa, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) CEO Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, who is also the director of the Hawana 2025 project.

The minister expressed confidence that, with the media council and other initiatives, the government is laying a strong foundation for the future of local media.

Hawana 2025 summit

Hawana 2025 is themed “Journalism in the new era: Embracing AI, safeguarding ethics” and will be held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur from June 13-15.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is set to officiate the event on June 14, while over 1,000 media practitioners, local journalist associations, and media from Asean countries are invited.

The event is expected to bring together the professional media fraternity and industry experts while exchanging ideas and forging strategic relationships.

Fahmi also said on May 14, the Bernama (Amendment) Act 2024 was gazetted, covering entities that disseminate news through platforms such as newspapers, publications, radio, television, as well as other mass communication platforms, including electronic and digital media.

Meanwhile, May 29 was gazetted as National Journalists’ Day in conjunction with the publication of the first edition of the Utusan Melayu newspaper on May 29, 1939, to celebrate the contributions of industry players who played a role in shaping minds, fostering cooperation, and driving positive change.

At today’s event, Fahmi also officiated the Bernama Motorhome-Mobile Studio, making Bernama the first media agency in Malaysia to utilise a recreational vehicle, or motorhome, equipped with mobile broadcast studio facilities that can be deployed quickly.

“Congratulations and well done to Bernama for always striving to improve the quality of its services and excel as a trusted source of news.

“I believe that the Bernama Mobile Studio facility can strengthen external coverage operations and news production with greater flexibility,” he said.

- Bernama

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