Fahmi Proposes Media Retreats At Future HAWANA Celebrations

BUTTERWORTH, June 20 (Bernama) -- Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has proposed that a retreat session with media practitioners be held at every future edition of the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) celebration.

He said the ministry would request the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) to coordinate in organising the retreat session to ensure it runs smoothly.

“The session will serve as a platform to collect feedback, views, insights and proposals from the industry for submission to the government.

“The proposals may relate to policy matters or amendments to existing acts and laws, including issues concerning the sustainability and long-term viability of the media industry,” he said.

Fahmi said this at a press conference following a dialogue session between the Communications Minister and the media held in conjunction with HAWANA 2026 here today.

Also in attendance at the almost two-hour session were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah and deputy secretary-general (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil.

Also present were Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Bernama chief executive officer and HAWANA 2026 working committee chair Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, MMC chairman Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan, as well as senior management from local media organisations.

Elaborating, Fahmi said a key challenge currently facing the industry is economic, particularly regarding mainstream media content on social media platforms, which does not generate any financial return or profit.

“I hope the Malaysian Media Council can engage in discussions with social media platforms. From the government side, we are ready to provide assistance in the relevant processes,” he added.

-- BERNAMA