KUALA LUMPUR, February 6 — The RM30 million Media Innovation Fund has been introduced to strengthen the resilience of Malaysia’s local media industry amid challenges posed by the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said.
She stressed that the fund is aimed at supporting digital transformation efforts as advertising revenue increasingly shifts to global platforms such as Google and Meta, putting pressure on traditional media business models.
Teo emphasised that the fund will not compromise media freedom or influence editorial content, noting that local media are expected to remain critical and objective in reporting on government policies and implementation.
“This fund is not meant to ensure favourable coverage of the government, but to help local media adapt, transform and remain relevant in the digital era,” she said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat.
She added that a special evaluation committee comprising representatives from the Communications Ministry, the Information Department and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has been set up to ensure transparent distribution of funds.
The initiative offers financing of up to RM300,000 per applicant and is open to registered local media organisations, with the goal of fostering a more sustainable, competitive and ethical media landscape without undermining journalistic principles.
