logo
Media council law takes effect today

Media council law takes effect today

The Star13-06-2025
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Media Council Act 2025 comes into effect today after Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil ( pic ) signed the gazette yesterday.
The Malaysian Media Council Bill 2024, which will move the local mass media industry towards self-regulation, was passed in Dewan Rakyat on Feb 26.
The Act comes into effect as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attends the National Journalists Day (Hawana) 2025 celebration today as a special guest amid the gathering of some 1,000 local and foreign journalists. Organised by the Communi­cations Ministry with Bernama as the implementing agency, Hawana 2025 features a variety of activities.
On June 3, Fahmi reportedly said that new developments regarding the Malaysian Media Council are expected to be announced during the Hawa­na 2025 Summit.
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.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

New regional centre strengthens China-Asean economic link
New regional centre strengthens China-Asean economic link

The Star

timean hour ago

  • The Star

New regional centre strengthens China-Asean economic link

Hainan Daily Press Group Deputy Editor-in Chief, Niu Xiaomin (3rd from left) and Bernama Chairman, Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai launching the Hainan International Media Centre. Looking on is (from left) Nanyang Siang Pau, Editor-in-Chief Evie Loh, Kwong Wah Yit Poh, Executive Editor-in-Chief Tee Hor Yean, Eng Teck and Datuk George Yong Ket How.—SAMUEL ONG/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Efforts to strengthen China–Asean ties gained momentum following the opening of Hainan International Media Centre (HIMC)'s regional hub for Asean here. The centre serves as a bridge to engage with the Southeast Asia region to develop an international land-sea trade corridor. It also plays a critical role in sharing Hainan's development narrative, including tourism, commercial expansion and policy reforms. Hainan Daily Press Group deputy editor-in-chief Niu Xiaomin said Malaysia was chosen because it is home to a sizeable population of Chinese descendants, particularly the Hainanese community, which has preserved deep-rooted cultural ties and continues to uphold strong traditions. He hoped the stories of Malaysian Chinese and Chinese citizens could serve as a cultural bridge, strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations while promoting mutual understanding and highlighting shared values across the region. He also said that Hainan would officially become a free trade port on Dec 18, allowing for some 74% of goods entering the island to enjoy zero-tariff benefits. "This marks a new starting point for Hainan's journey towards a higher level of openness to the outside world," he said at the launch of the HIMC–Asean Liaison Centre here on Friday (Aug 1). The event also saw the establishment of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor Asean Economic and Trade Station, and the Haifeng International Film and Television Base Asean Centre. Several agreements on media collaboration were also signed with Bernama, Nanyang Siang Pau and Kwong Wah Yit Poh to jointly produce programmes and conduct activities about Malaysia and Hainan. Partnerships were also established between HIMC and the Federation of Hainan Association Malaysia, Mila University and Lingshui Yingli Wanxiang Digital Media Industry. The HIMC–Asean Liaison Centre also serves as the Malaysia office for Guangxi International Communication Centre and the International Communication Centre of Guizhou Radio and TV Station. Also present were Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Kwong Wah Yit Poh executive editor-in-chief Tee Hor Yean, Nanyang Siang Pau editor-in-chief Evie Loh, the Federation of Hainan Association Malaysia president Datuk George Yong Ket How and HIMC senior advisor for Hainan-Asean international communication Dr Pua Eng Teck. Later in the day, Niu led a delegation to visit Star Media Group. They were briefed on the media company's history, operations and commitment to journalistic integrity while engaging in a fruitful meeting with its group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt to explore opportunities for collaboration.

Malaysia's mediation role boosts US tariff talks, says minister
Malaysia's mediation role boosts US tariff talks, says minister

The Sun

time2 hours ago

  • The Sun

Malaysia's mediation role boosts US tariff talks, says minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's mediation in the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire has strengthened its position in tariff discussions with the United States, according to Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. 'Honestly I don't know, I didn't ask... but it definitely helps,' he said when asked about the diplomatic spillover effects. The ceasefire was among topics discussed between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and US President Donald Trump, highlighting Malaysia's ASEAN leadership. Thailand and Cambodia's border tensions escalated in late May, with clashes near Preah Vihear resulting in casualties. Malaysia's intervention aligns with its regional peacekeeping commitments. On tariffs, Tengku Zafrul emphasised fairness: 'We want the rate to be competitive with ASEAN neighbours... the 19 per cent rate is fair.' A joint Malaysia-US statement on tariffs is expected this weekend. - Bernama

Backbenchers Club praises Anwar for US tariff reductions benefiting SMEs
Backbenchers Club praises Anwar for US tariff reductions benefiting SMEs

The Star

time3 hours ago

  • The Star

Backbenchers Club praises Anwar for US tariff reductions benefiting SMEs

PETALING JAYA: The Backbenchers Club (BBC) commended Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the recent tariff reduction by the United States, as it also enables small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to achieve long-term competitiveness in high-growth sectors. The tariff was reduced from 25% to 19%. 'These efforts are essential not only to absorb the impact of global trade fluctuations but to position Malaysian companies, especially SMEs, for long-term competitiveness in high-growth sectors,' said BBC in a statement on Friday (Aug 1). Although this is a positive step, the BBC highlighted the need to persist with economic reform, expand into new markets, and develop a resilient economy. 'I commend the Prime Minister for defending that space while keeping the door open to meaningful trade engagement with one of our largest partners,' said the statement According to a report in The Star, the new tariff structure would take effect in seven days and apply to goods entering the US for consumption, with limited exceptions for shipments already in transit.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store