SUBANG JAYA: A new report by the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) has found that the sustainability of Malaysia’s democracy and ongoing media reforms fundamentally depend on the economic security and workplace safety of media practitioners.
The findings are outlined in CIJ’s latest annual report, “The Price of Truth: Economic Rights of Journalists in Malaysia”, which was launched yesterday at the Media Solidarity Festival 2026.
The festival is co-organised by CIJ, Gerakan Media Merdeka and the Malaysian Media Council in conjunction with World Press Freedom Day, Bernama reported.
CIJ executive director Wathshlah G. Naidu said the report highlights the growing economic pressures faced by journalists and media workers, stressing that discussions on media freedom must also address fair wages and decent working conditions.
“We should not, in 2026, still be asking why a journalist with 20 years of experience is earning RM2,000 or RM3,000. We should not be talking about minimum wages or minimum standards. Our baselines should be much higher,” she said in her opening address.
Wathshlah also highlighted the plight of freelancers and stringers, many of whom, she said, are barely making ends meet, with incomes far below the actual cost of living, not only in the Klang Valley but across the country.
She stressed that media freedom cannot be separated from newsroom working conditions, warning that insecure and unfair employment practices ultimately weaken democratic processes.
On media reforms, Wathshlah acknowledged progress in efforts to establish the Malaysian Media Council and draft a Freedom of Information Bill.
She described both initiatives as crucial steps towards strengthening transparency and rebuilding public trust in the media.
“Media cannot function without access to reliable and timely information, and the public needs to trust the information channelled through the media. This Bill is therefore critical,” she said.
She also expressed hope that the RM30mil Media Innovation Fund would be effectively channelled to support media development and long-term sustainability.
