KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Media Council (MMM) has launched its official complaints mechanism, which is now fully operational, offering a formal platform for the public and relevant stakeholders to address issues related to journalistic practices, media ethics, and news content.
In a statement issued today, the MMM announced that complaints could be submitted via email at [email protected] or through its official website https://majlismedia.my/complaints/.
The process will be overseen by the Code of Conduct and Complaints Committee, ensuring the mechanism remains independent, transparent, and non-punitive, in keeping with media self-regulation principles.
The announcement comes after public controversy surrounding an incident involving China Press, which has led to police reports being filed by some parties.
“Such matters should be handled through professional and institutional channels, not through pressure, intimidation, or punitive action,” the statement read.
Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, the Communications Minister, has urged the MMM to ensure that its members uphold journalistic ethics, highlighting the council’s role as an impartial, self-regulatory platform to manage media-related complaints effectively.
The council also stressed that the mechanism will focus on fair correction, mediation, and editorial accountability, while preserving media freedom in the face of growing public scrutiny of media content.
Datin Paduka Esther Ng, Chairman of the Code of Conduct and Complaints Committee, commented that the MMM Board had thoroughly reviewed and endorsed the mechanism. “This is a crucial responsibility for the Malaysian Media Council, and it is imperative that this mechanism be operationalised without delay,” she said.
The board discussed the new mechanism during its meeting on January 20 and 21, alongside strategic planning for the council’s four key committees: 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 also focused on reinforcing media self-regulation, enhancing professional accountability, and establishing robust mechanisms to handle media-related issues fairly and transparently.
Under the Malaysian Media Council Act, the MMM has mandated that all media organisations within its membership establish their own internal complaints mechanisms as part of their editorial responsibilities. However, for the time being, complaints may continue to be submitted directly to the MMM while media organisations refine their internal processes. – January 22, 2026