Majlis Media Malaysia (MMM) has used World Press Freedom Day 2026 to warn that journalism is under growing pressure both globally and in Malaysia, calling for stronger protections for reporters and clearer safeguards for media independence.
According to a press statement, MMM said press freedom remains central to democracy because it allows the public to access information, question authority and hold those in power accountable. It also enables journalists to report independently and newsrooms to make decisions in the public interest.
This year’s observance comes against a backdrop of declining global rankings. The 2026 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders places global press freedom at its lowest point in 25 years. Malaysia has fallen seven places to 95th out of 180 countries.
MMM said the decline should be treated as a warning sign about the health of the media environment rather than a political issue, pointing to the need to strengthen newsroom sustainability, media independence and public trust.
The council also highlighted continued risks faced by journalists worldwide, citing deaths in conflict zones including Gaza, Lebanon and Ukraine. It said these incidents show that press freedom can be a matter of life and death for reporters working in the field.
In Malaysia, MMM said journalists and media organisations are operating under multiple pressures, including financial strain, legal threats, online harassment and declining public trust. It added that misinformation, artificial intelligence, platform disruption and falling advertising revenue are reshaping how news is produced and consumed.
MMM said the challenges facing the industry require more than policy statements, calling instead for stronger institutions and practical mechanisms that protect press freedom while ensuring accountability.
As an independent self-regulatory body, MMM said it plays a role in upholding ethical journalism, setting professional standards and providing a channel for complaints about media content.
It stressed that disputes involving the media should, where possible, be resolved through self-regulation rather than criminal action or intimidation, particularly when reporting is in the public interest.
At the same time, it said press freedom must be matched by professional responsibility, with journalists expected to uphold accuracy, fairness, verification, independence and respect for human dignity.
MMM also welcomed initiatives such as the government’s Media Innovation Fund, which supports media organisations adapting to digital change, but said such programmes must remain transparent and protect editorial independence.
Several board members also shared their views. Prof Dr Zaharom Nain pointed to Malaysia’s drop in the global index and said it should prompt reflection, noting concerns about intimidation and attacks on journalists despite formal commitments to media freedom.
Datin Paduka Esther Ng said press freedom should be treated as a public right, describing the media as a mirror of society that carries the responsibility to reflect people’s realities and concerns.
Mariah Doksil highlighted the working conditions of journalists, saying many operate under pressure and sometimes risk their safety to report stories. She added that press freedom is ultimately about the public’s right to know.
MMM said it is currently strengthening its complaints system, updating its Code of Conduct and expanding engagement with media organisations, alongside training and professional development initiatives.
The council has also called for stronger protection for journalists, greater restraint in the use of criminal laws against media workers, improved newsroom standards, better access to information, and safeguards for editorial independence in funding and support schemes. It also urged more constructive engagement between the media, authorities and the public.
MMM said press freedom and accountability should not be seen as opposing ideas, but as working together within a healthy information system supported by strong institutions and informed citizens.
It also invited journalists, students, media workers and the public to the Media Solidarity Festival 2026, taking place on 10 May at PARC Subang. The event will include discussions and workshops on journalism and press freedom, and is co-organised with several media and civil society groups.
MMM said the focus moving forward is to strengthen trust in journalism while protecting its independence. It added that a free press is not just a media concern, but a public right.
