PUTRAJAYA, June 15 — Media literacy among the public needs to be strengthened so that people are better equipped to critically evaluate information and identify misleading content amid the rapid evolution of the digital media landscape, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said.

She said the ability to distinguish between credible information and manipulated content has become increasingly important as society enters a new era driven by generative artificial intelligence (AI), which is reshaping the global media ecosystem.

“By 2030, Malaysia will need a media ecosystem that is more resilient, innovative and trusted,” she said in her keynote address at the industry dialogue themed “Balancing Virality and Responsibility: Journalism Amid Speed, Trust and Impact” here today.

Teo said efforts to strengthen media literacy should be complemented by greater training in AI, digital verification and information security to ensure Malaysian journalists are well prepared for future challenges.

She also called for closer collaboration among the media industry, universities and the government in talent development and research related to media transformation.

Teo noted that content is now produced on an unprecedented scale, making it increasingly difficult for the public to distinguish between accurate information, misleading content and deliberately manipulated narratives.

“The major challenge in the attention economy is that algorithms do not necessarily reward the most accurate or beneficial content. In many cases, they prioritise content that triggers strong emotional reactions,” she said.

Despite growing pressure to deliver news rapidly across multiple platforms, Teo said the fundamental principles of journalism must remain unchanged, with facts needing to be checked, information verified and truth prioritised.

She said media organisations had traditionally competed to be the first to break a story, but the race had become far more demanding as news now travels in real time and audiences expect information to be available instantly.

“When an incident occurs, various versions of the story often circulate online before journalists have the opportunity to verify the facts. In such situations, media organisations face a difficult dilemma. If they are too slow, they risk being seen as lagging. If they are too fast, they risk making mistakes that could undermine their credibility,” she said.

Teo added that the future of the media would not be determined by virality alone, but by its ability to earn and sustain public trust.

“Trust is not built in a day. It is built when the media is willing to acknowledge mistakes and correct them openly. It is built when the media places the public interest above the pursuit of sensationalism,” she said.

She added that the media industry is complex and dynamic, and is best served through responsible self-regulation rather than excessive state intervention.

Teo said this understanding had guided the Madani Government’s efforts to establish the Malaysian Media Council (MMC), which was successfully formed in 2025 after years of discussions and advocacy by industry stakeholders.

On the council’s complaints mechanism, she said Phase Two was implemented on April 8 this year and had already shown encouraging progress, with 14 complaints involving issues such as reporting accuracy, the unauthorised use of images and matters affecting social harmony received in less than two months.

Of the total complaints received, 12 have been resolved, while the remaining cases are under review. — Bernama 

SUNGAI PETANI, June 7 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that community leaders must have a high level of patience in facing current challenges, while remaining committed alongside the Madani Government to realise the national development agenda.

He said that despite various accusations, it is the responsibility of leaders to continue fulfilling the trust given by the people.

“To develop (the country), it is more challenging and difficult and requires patience and wisdom. Patience is emphasised in the Quran and it is not easy.

“It is easy to just speak and hurl insults. For example, on the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), I was heavily criticised, but previously PAS, Bersatu all supported recognising the UEC – what is the difference now?” he said.

The Prime Minister said this when speaking at an engagement session with heads of federal departments and the Federal Village Development and Security Committees (JPKKP) in Kedah at Universiti Teknologi MARA here today.

Also present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari.

Anwar said community leaders must also have sufficient information and know the best ways to convey it to the public.

The Prime Minister said he would not entertain any jibes directed at him, but would instead continue focusing on the country's economic development agenda and do whatever he can to ease the burden on the people.

“No matter how difficult things are, when it comes to the problems faced by the poor, I have never said they should be postponed. If school toilets are damaged or houses are leaking, I will find a solution. Even if it means cutting ministers' allowances,” he said.

At the same time, he reminded the public to ensure that family institutions are well maintained and properly managed, while equipping children with skills in new fields and technologies so that they can become better than previous generations.

“In mastering artificial intelligence, we must have values, good morals and a religious foundation. If there are elements that could lead us astray, we must prevent them. A nation cannot progress by abandoning the foundations of faith and morality,” he said. — Bernama

 

 

GEORGE TOWN, June 15 — The federal government has guaranteed that no vernacular schools will be closed under its administration, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said today.

He reaffirmed Putrajaya’s commitment to protect the existing Chinese and Tamil vernacular schools in Malaysia.

Wong said vernacular schools remain an important component of the national education system and dismissed long-standing concerns among communities over the fate of schools facing enrolment, land or infrastructure challenges.

“Under the Madani government, we guarantee that no school, whether a national school, SJKC or SJKT, will be closed,” he said in his speech after attending a handing over ceremony of an approval letter for the construction of a new building for SJKT Rajaji in Air Itam here.

He said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek had repeatedly stressed since 2023 that vernacular schools are part of Malaysia’s education landscape and would continue to receive government support.

The deputy minister also announced that maintenance allocations for Tamil vernacular schools nationwide have been increased to RM50 million this year, more than double the annual allocations provided in recent years.

“The funding will benefit about 527 SJKTs nationwide,” he said adding that the Education Ministry is finalising the distribution of the allocations based on the schools’ individual needs and enrolment levels.

“We will not simply divide the allocation equally because some schools are larger, some are smaller, and their maintenance requirements differ,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said 22 government-aided SJKTs in Penang will receive furniture worth RM1.156 million through an initiative funded by the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra).

On SJKT Rajaji, Wong officially handed over the ministry’s approval letter for the construction of the school’s new location in Farlim.

The 76-year-old school, which currently has about 100 pupils and 20 preschoolers, will relocate to a 2.3-acre site provided by the Penang state government.

He said construction is expected to cost about RM8 million and will be fully funded by a private developer.

The project is targeted for completion within 18 months, with the school expected to begin operating at its new premises by the 2029 academic session.

Wong said the approval reflected the government’s commitment to developing schools across all education streams, including national, Chinese vernacular and Tamil vernacular schools.

“Whether it is a national school, SJKC or SJKT, all are under the focus and radar of the Ministry of Education,” he said.

PUTRAJAYA, June 5 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed that all aspects of government digital service development be carried out internally to safeguard data security and sovereignty.

Madani Government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who is also communications minister, said the prime minister conveyed the directive during the Cabinet meeting today.

Fahmi said the internal development of digital services would be coordinated by the Ministry of Digital through the National Digital Department.

“This takes into account data security and sovereignty aspects, direct access to source code, as well as talent development, particularly among civil servants,” he told a post-Cabinet meeting press conference here today.

In another development, Fahmi said the prime minister had instructed that firm action be taken against any party found abusing licences, visas or business facilities in the country.

“We leave it to the relevant authorities to take action in accordance with the law, and we remind all business operators to always comply with regulations and laws, especially those holding licences to conduct business or undertake commercial activities,” he said. — Bernama

 

PETALING JAYA, June 6 — The government is using a sound risk management approach by diversifying energy supply sources to ensure the country’s energy supply is sufficient, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

He said the government, through Petroliam Nasional Bhd and oil companies, remains committed to seeking new supply sources, including from South Africa and the United States, to ensure the continuity of economic activities is not affected.

“This also means we have established new relationships. Some of the supply may come from further away and be slightly more expensive, but the important thing is that the domestic energy supply is sufficient.

“For coal, Malaysia continues to depend largely on Indonesia while expanding its supply sources to other countries, including the United States and Australia. This simultaneously reduces dependence on a single source and strengthens overall supply security,” he told reporters after attending the ‘Program Mikro Kredit Turun Padang’ here today.

He explained that the step was a good risk management measure because if there was any disruption in a supplier country, Malaysia would still have the option to increase supply from other sources.

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) stated today that the ‘Program Mikro Kredit Turun Padang’ is part of the Madani government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the micro-entrepreneurship ecosystem.

According to the MOF, the programme provides a platform to engage with micro-entrepreneurs at the community level, understand the challenges they face, and disseminate information about various financing facilities, business assistance, and capacity development programmes provided by the government and related agencies.

“The programme is also capable of helping them increase their income, expand business operations, and build more sustainable and competitive businesses,” he said.

The implementing agencies involved in the programme are Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), Agrobank, Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia Bhd, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), TEKUN Nasional, Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK), and Majlis Amanah Rakyat. — Bernama

 

 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 — The MADANI Government will continue to empower the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) as a credible and respected institution in efforts to eradicate corruption without compromise, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

The Prime Minister emphasised that efforts to strengthen governance, integrity, and the country’s institutional reform agenda form the core of building a fairer, more transparent, and competitive Malaysia.

This was stated by him during a courtesy call from MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman in Putrajaya yesterday.

“I stressed that integrity is not merely a requirement in the public service, but a crucial foundation to guarantee public confidence, attract quality investments, and determine a more sustainable future for the nation.

“The MADANI Government will continue to empower the MACC as a credible and respected institution in efforts to eradicate corruption without compromise to ensure that the country’s prosperity can be enjoyed by both present and future generations,” he said via a Facebook post. — Bernama

 

 

PETALING JAYA, June 15 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has called on academics, civil society activists, think tanks, legal practitioners and security experts to submit constructive proposals on refugee management in Malaysia, an issue he described as a longstanding legacy challenge.

“This is not a new issue. It is a legacy that has persisted across administrations. But the fact that it is a legacy has never been an excuse for the government to sit back or avoid taking action,” he said in a Facebook post.

Saifuddin stressed that the Madani government was committed to handling the matter responsibly, prudently and based on facts, with clear priorities — safeguarding national security while recognising humanitarian realities.

He noted that one of the biggest challenges was the absence of comprehensive and accurate data owned by the Malaysian government on individuals classified as refugees. To address this, the government is undertaking a more extensive process of data collection and biometric registration.

“We cannot manage what we do not know. We cannot protect national security without knowing precisely who is within our borders,” he said, adding that accurate data would enable more effective management of issues ranging from security and law enforcement to public health, employment and community welfare.

At the same time, Saifuddin emphasised that refugee status was not a licence to break Malaysian laws. “Any individual who commits a criminal offence or violates national laws will face enforcement action and due legal process,” he said.

He reiterated that the government would not shield offenders or compromise on national security. Instead, the aim was to strengthen Malaysia’s capacity to manage a reality that has long existed in the country.

“The goal is not to protect refugees, but to protect national interests, public safety and social order,” he said, adding that Malaysians should be able to discuss the issue “maturely, rationally and responsibly in the interest of the nation we all love”.

KOTA TINGGI, June 13 — Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said will seek an allocation under Budget 2027 to expand the establishment of Legal Aid Department (JBG) satellite offices to rural areas nationwide.

She said the move is important to ensure that the public, particularly those in remote and rural areas, have easier access to legal aid services and are aware of their rights to legal protection and assistance.

“When we talk about legal aid, we must provide protection to the people so that they know they have the right to obtain legal assistance.

“That is why I will apply for an allocation in next year’s budget. If we can establish more satellite offices in districts located far from state offices, it will make it easier for the public to access legal aid services,” she told reporters after officiating the JBG Satellite Office at the Pengerang Court in Bandar Penawar here today.

Elaborating further, Azalina, who is also the Member of Parliament for Pengerang, said the service would be further strengthened through the use of JBG mobile vans under the Justice on Wheels (JOW) programme, which can reach villages and remote areas, including in Sabah and Sarawak.

Azalina said the approach is in line with the government’s aspiration to bring legal aid services directly to the people rather than waiting for them to visit JBG offices.

“For me, there is no point amending the Legal Aid and Public Defence Bill if people do not know where to seek protection and assistance.

“I have also instructed the Director-General (of the department) to ensure that these services are provided in all areas, including constituencies represented by the opposition. We will send letters to every Member of Parliament so that they can choose suitable dates according to their respective states,” she said.

Earlier in her speech, Azalina said the opening of the JBG Pengerang Satellite Office marked a strategic step by the Madani Government in strengthening access to justice through legal aid services that are closer, more accessible and more responsive to the needs of the people.

She said the establishment of the satellite office would reduce the need for members of the public to travel long distances to obtain legal aid services, thereby saving time and costs.

The minister said the establishment of the JBG Pengerang Satellite Office was the result of collaboration among various stakeholders within the justice sector, particularly the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court of Malaysia.

She said the synergy among the relevant agencies demonstrated that efforts to expand access to justice require continuous commitment and cooperation to ensure that the services provided genuinely benefit the community.

“The opening of the JBG Pengerang Satellite Office will bring legal aid services closer to the people, in line with the Madani Government’s commitment to enhancing access to justice, because justice is not a privilege but a right of every citizen, ensuring that no one is left behind by the nation’s justice system,” she said. — Bernama

SUNGAI PETANI, June 7 — The federal government has approved an additional RM1 million allocation for AIMST University to ensure students from underprivileged families continue to receive education assistance.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the additional allocation would supplement the annual grant given to the private university.

“The Madani Government will ensure that the poorest students at this university continue to receive guaranteed assistance. Therefore, I am adding RM1 million specifically for that purpose.

“Last week, we announced an allocation of RM100 for every secondary school and university student to purchase books,” he said when speaking at the annual government grant presentation ceremony for AIMST University in Bedong, near here, today.

Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and MIC president Tan Sri Dr SA Vigneswaran, who is also AIMST University chancellor and chairman.At the ceremony, AIMST University received an annual grant amounting to RM25 million.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said that despite various global challenges, the country's economic growth remains resilient and strong.

He said the national unemployment rate is currently at its lowest level, while investment performance has recorded an all-time high in the country's history.

“We are certainly grateful, but as I always say, 'shouldn't be lulled into complacency'. See the challenges. One of the major challenges, of course, is education; how to ensure that we continue to excel,” he said.

The Prime Minister said education is an important instrument in uplifting the dignity of the people and building a better future.

Therefore, he said the government places education as a key component that receives the highest allocation in the Budget every year. — Bernama

 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 — Malaysians will be able to watch the Fifa World Cup 2026 through the government’s MyGOV Malaysia app.

The Digital Ministry announced today that users registered with MyDigital ID will be able to access RTM’s ‘live’ World Cup broadcasts through the app’s streaming feature, which carries content from TV1, TV2 and Okey TV.

The move means football fans will be able to follow matches from the Fifa World Cup 2026 directly through the government app, which was launched last year to consolidate services from multiple agencies.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the platform was part of the government’s broader effort to improve access to digital government services.

“The MyGOV Malaysia app reflects the Madani Government’s continued efforts to improve how Malaysians access digital services. As usage continues to grow, the platform is being progressively enhanced to support scalability, performance, and user experience improvements,” he said in a statement.

According to the ministry, the app currently offers 51 services from 19 government agencies, including checks on travel restrictions, searches for unclaimed money and access to the PriceCatcher price comparison tool.

The platform has attracted more than 2.2 million users since its launch in 2025.

The Fifa World Cup 2026 will be held from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Communications Ministry previously announced that RTM and Unifi TV would serve as Malaysia’s official broadcasters for the tournament.