Communications Minister calls on Malaysian Media Council leadership to perform duties responsibly and ensure media freedom and sustainability.
KOTA KINABALU: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has called on the new Malaysian Media Council leadership to perform their duties responsibly.
He urged the council to become a sustainable self-regulatory body for Malaysia’s media industry.
Fahmi believes the MMC can help create a freer and more professional media industry by consolidating views and channelling them to the government.
He expressed gratitude that the council has finally been established after more than five decades.
The minister spoke after attending the Hari Bersama Komuniti dan Temu Anak Muda programme at the National Information Dissemination Centre in Kampung Kopimpinan, Putatan.
Communications Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa was also present.
Fahmi emphasised that the MMC team must perform their duties without fear or favour.
“We will ensure that the media in Malaysia becomes not only freer but also more professional, ethical and sustainable,” he told reporters.
He acknowledged the challenges facing media including social media proliferation.
The MMC serves as an independent self-regulatory mechanism promoting journalism ethics and media freedom.
Twelve individuals were elected to the MMC Board during yesterday’s inaugural Annual General Meeting.
They represent media companies, journalists, media associations, public members and non-governmental organisations.
Fahmi confirmed the Communications Ministry will resolve administrative matters including MMC’s finances promptly.
“Previously, there were some administrative aspects that were not finalised, but I was informed they are now close to completion,” he said.
The allocated funds will be channelled to MMC soon according to the minister.
Earlier, Fahmi inspected a telecommunications tower in Kampung Keronggu, Inanam to assess JENDELA Phase 1 effectiveness.
The tower now provides 4G coverage for CelcomDigi, Maxis and U Mobile users with average speeds of 90 Mbps.
Starlink is being used temporarily while awaiting fibre optic connection implementation.
The initiative benefits over 500 residents and shows significant internet accessibility improvement in Sabah.
Coverage now stands at 96.81% compared to 73.41% before JENDELA implementation.
Service providers have been asked to increase capacity to ensure coverage quality meets MCMC standards. – Bernama
