Media organisations can take lead on ad revenue, ministry ready to assist

Local media organisations can take the lead on advertising revenue sharing with global social media platforms, while the Communications and Digital Ministry is ready to assist, said its minister.

Fahmi Fadzil believes that media organisations are capable of having direct engagement with social media platforms over the matter.

“We are prepared to assist. However, at this point I do not foresee that we would go down the (taking legislative action) road like some of the other countries,” he told the Malaysian media covering the 30th Apec Economic Leaders Meeting in San Francisco, California.

The minister said he had conveyed the matter of advertising expenditure during his recent engagement with social media giants such as TikTok and Google.

“TikTok, Meta and Google (and other similar platforms) are important organisations to have at the table to discuss some issues around advertising expenditure.

“I have conveyed to each of the organisations (TikTok, Google, Meta) that I would like to have a positive constructive engagement with media organisations.”

Fahmi said these social media platforms are ready and willing to discuss this issue.

Digital transformation funds

The minister suggested funds could be set aside to assist media organisations in the digital transformation that is happening.

“Several countries like Taiwan have seen the setting up of funds to help media organisations undertake transformation, including seeking possible new ways of presentation and new sources of additional revenue,” Fahmi said.

Asked whether Malaysia can take similar legislative action like Australia's, he said that generally there has been positive and construction engagement with not only TikTok but also Google and Meta in Malaysia.

“For Malaysia, we won’t necessarily blindly copy or follow what other countries do. We will find and strike a path that suits the specification and context of Malaysia.”

An enactment will be the last resort, he said, adding that Malaysia reserves that right.

“But, in all fairness, I think it is possible to have the discussion with these organisations.”

- Bernama