Press freedom ranking up
NUJM: Legislation changes have bumped M'sia to 88th place
PETALING JAYA: Legislation changes in the media industry has contributed to Malaysia's improved press freedom ranking, says the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM).
NUJM general secretary Teh Athira Mohammed Yusof said Malaysia's improved ranking in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index was made possible by the passing of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) Bill at the parliamentary level in February.
'As the government works towards gazetting the Bill, we hope that it will strengthen the country's journalism industry,' she said in a statement.
Teh Athira said the union also attributed the achievement to journalists, editors and media practitioners who strived for press freedom.
She said the union is hopeful that journalists would no longer be under the pressure of the Printing Presses and Publications Act following the establishment of MMC.
Malaysia rose to 88th place in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders.
The country recorded a score of 56.09 this year, marking a rebound from 2024 when it dropped to 107th with a score of 52.07.
Addressing the rise of artificial intelligence in journalism, Teh Athira said the technology should not replace talents, skills and creativity of journalists.
'This is an important part as it will also ensure better welfare of the journalists working in the industry. We hope that with the MMC, more guidelines can be issued.
'NUJM is ready to offer our assistance on the matter in the future,' she added.
Within the Asean region, Malaysia holds the second highest position, trailing just behind neighbouring Thailand, which ranks 85th.
Brunei is ranked 97th, followed by the Philippines (116th), Singapore (123rd), Indonesia (127th), Laos (150th), Cambodia (161st), Myanmar (169th) and Vietnam (173rd).
The World Press Freedom Index evaluates the state of media freedom in 180 countries by examining key indicators such as political environment, legal safeguards, editorial independence, transparency and the safety of journalists.
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