KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Media Council (MMM) has officially opened its complaints mechanism, offering a formal and professional channel for the public, journalists, and media organisations to raise concerns over media ethics, journalistic practices, and news content.
The system is administered by the Code of Conduct and Complaints Committee and operates as an independent, transparent, and non-punitive channel, emphasising fair correction, mediation, and editorial accountability while safeguarding media freedom.
The announcement comes in the wake of recent developments, including a case involving China Press that sparked public debate and widespread reactions to media content.
MMM emphasises that such matters should be addressed through professional and institutional channels, rather than through pressure, intimidation, or punitive action.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil recently urged the council, as an independent statutory self-regulatory body, to ensure compliance with journalistic ethics and to promote responsible and accurate reporting, particularly among its members.
He highlighted MMM’s role as a platform to professionally and impartially handle media-related complaints.
Code of Conduct and Complaints Committee chairman Datin Paduka Esther Ng said the Board had thoroughly discussed and approved the mechanism during its recent meeting.
“This paves the way for us to carry out our responsibilities in a structured and systematic manner, with clear SOPs in place.
“This is one of the most important duties of the Malaysian Media Council, and it is imperative that this mechanism be operationalised without delay,” she said in a statement today.
The MMM Board met on 20 and Jan 21 at Media Prima headquarters, Bangsar, to align the Council’s strategic direction and the priorities of its four main committees, namely, the Code of Conduct and Complaints Committee, the Law Reform and Media Literacy Committee, the Media Industry Sustainability and Professional Development Committee, and the Council Development and Funding Committee.
The Board discussed the need to strengthen media self-regulation, enhance professional accountability, and establish institutional mechanisms to address media-related issues fairly and responsibly – particularly in light of heightened public sensitivity toward media content.
MMM stresses that differences of opinion or dissatisfaction with media reporting, including cases that attract public attention, should be channelled through legitimate and ethical complaints mechanisms.
This approach is crucial to prevent heightened tensions that could compromise journalists’ safety, media freedom, and public trust.
Under the Malaysian Media Council Act, member media organisations are also required to establish their own internal complaints mechanisms as part of their editorial responsibilities and professional accountability.
During the interim period, complaints may continue to be submitted directly to MMM while media organisations complete or refine their internal systems.
Complaints to MMM can be submitted via email at [email protected] or through the Council’s official website at https://majlismedia.my/complaints/.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
