Communications Ministry to engage TikTok over monetisation concerns raised by editors and practitioners: Fahmi
PETALING JAYA: The government will engage social media platforms, particularly TikTok, to address growing concerns over the monetisation of content involving local media organisations.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the discussions come after feedback from media practitioners and chief editors during recent industry engagements.
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He said while digital platforms benefit significantly from high-quality content produced by news organisations, many local media outlets remain unable to fully monetise their content or generate sustainable revenue.
“Chief editors have complained that they are unable to monetise or generate income through these platforms.
“I am prepared to hold discussions with TikTok to see what can be done to help the media in Malaysia,” he said after the closing ceremony of Festival Belia @ National Youth Day 2026 at Pavilion Bukit Jalil yesterday.
Fahmi added that official live streams by media organisations have attracted large audiences, in some cases ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of viewers, yet still do not qualify for monetisation features such as digital “gifts”.
He said this must be addressed as the strong engagement is largely driven by the credibility and reach of established news brands, which contribute significantly to platform traffic.
Platform providers, he added, should consider a fairer framework for compensating local media organisations that generate substantial online reach and engagement.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said the government has launched a RM5 million push to bankroll youth-driven creative content under the Madani Generational Catalyst Fund, in a bid to turn young digital creators into a stronger force in the creative economy.
Applications open from June 1 to June 30. He said the fund is aimed at empowering young Malaysians while strengthening the country’s creative ecosystem through the production of telemovies, documentaries, short films, short documentaries and animation.
“With an allocation of RM5 million, the ministry aims to produce content that reflects the aspirations of Malaysia Madani, with emphasis on strengthening identity, harmony, integrity and unity,” he said at the Madani Community Creative Youth Programme yesterday.
“Today’s young generation holds immense power through their ideas, creativity and courage to create and influence society using technology such as smartphones and tablets.”
The programme, implemented through National Film Development Corporation Malaysia, will reach nearly 16,000 youths nationwide as part of efforts to build a strong pipeline of creative talent for the industry.
Fahmi acknowledged that the creative sector continues to face challenges, including funding constraints and project uncertainty, but said it has evolved into a more dynamic and globally competitive industry with strong institutional support.
“Beyond entertainment, the creative industry also contributes to the national economy through the development of highly skilled talent and its success in attracting investments worth hundreds of millions of ringgit.”
He added that the sector’s future depends on a new generation of creators who are competitive, highly-qualified and capable of elevating Malaysia’s creative output on the global stage.
