KUALA LUMPUR - A total of 34 selected media organisations have received RM12.38 million in funding under the first phase of the Media Innovation Fund to accelerate their digital transformation.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the disbursement is part of a larger RM30 million allocation by the Ministry of Communications this year, aimed at strengthening the local media industry’s resilience amidst a rapidly changing digital landscape.
She said each application is eligible for grants of up to RM300,000, covering areas such as media personnel training, technology adaptation, infrastructure support, and content research and development.
"Phase one closed in January, phases two to four have been implemented through successive application windows opened in February, March and April and are currently at the approval committee stage.
"Phase Five for the Media Innovation Fund will open from this Friday to May 14, 2026, and media organisations that have not yet applied are encouraged to take this opportunity,” she said in her opening remarks when officiating the 21st General Assembly of the Confederation of ASEAN Journalists (CAJ) here today.
Also present were CAJ president Atal Sembiring Depari, CAJ permanent secretary Ahmed Kurnia and the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) president Low Boon Tat.
In addition, Teo said the Tun Abdul Razak Broadcasting and Information Institute (IPPTAR) continues to spearhead digital transformation within the media industry, successfully holding 41 artificial intelligence (AI) courses since the inception of its dedicated training programme in 2024, with a total of 1,552 participants.
In her speech, Teo also reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to upholding media professionalism and safeguarding press freedom, noting that the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council (MMM) in June 2025 marks an important milestone for the industry.
She said as of today, the MMM has received seven complaints involving issues such as reporting accuracy, unauthorised use of images and the impact of content on social harmony, of which five have been resolved, and two are currently under review.
"To further enhance transparency and accountability, all complaints are now submitted through the official MMM platform, ensuring that each case is systematically recorded, assessed and managed in a structured and professional manner, reflecting our commitment to a fair and responsible media ecosystem,” she said.
Meanwhile, when reporters asked after the event whether complaints against the media would be handled by the MMM alone and not through criminal prosecution, Teo said the matter fell under the jurisdiction of the police and the Attorney‑General’s Chambers (AGC).
"When the police receive a complaint, they still have the right to investigate, and after that, they will refer the case to the AGC to decide whether to close it or take any appropriate action, including prosecution.
"But I hope that as the MMM matures, it can become the first stop for handling issues involving the media, and it is important that enforcers and reporters show mutual respect as they do their jobs,” she added. - BERNAMA