Kuala Lumpur – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has clarified that its regulatory actions are designed to ensure responsible information dissemination rather than restrict media freedom. This clarification comes in response to concerns about media freedom in Malaysia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a statement from the Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD) posted on the Parliament’s website, the actions taken by MCMC are meant to prevent the spread of slander, inaccurate information, and hateful speech. The ministry emphasized that these measures are also in place to protect the integrity of the constitutional monarchy and democratic institutions in Malaysia.

The statement was a response to a question posed by Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (BN-Bera) regarding the status of the proposed drafting of a new act related to the sensitive topics of royalty, religion, and race (3R), and the restrictions imposed on news portals such as Utusan TV, MalaysiaNow, and TV Pertiwi.

MCMC holds the authority and responsibility to regulate the spread of false information, offensive, threatening, and defamatory content. The ministry advised media practitioners and news outlets to adhere to the Content Code, which provides clear guidelines on content standards in accordance with the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588). By following the Content Code, media practitioners can engage in responsible reporting while respecting the boundaries of freedom of expression.

KKD further noted that MCMC has initiated several dialogue sessions and engagements with media organizations to address arising issues. These initiatives are part of a continuous effort to foster a positive, harmonious, and conducive digital environment for all stakeholders.

This approach underscores the government’s commitment to balancing the need for responsible communication with the preservation of media freedom in the digital age.