PETALING JAYA: Media Mulia Sdn Bhd must follow through on its restructuring review with concrete measures to protect affected employees and prevent unnecessary job losses, says the Malaysian Media Council (MMM).
The council welcomed the company's willingness to review its business model following discussions with Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil on Thursday (Nov 5), but stressed that employees of Utusan Malaysia and Kosmo! should not be left uncertain about their future.
"Employees should not be left facing prolonged uncertainty over their employment and future livelihoods," it said in a statement on Saturday (Nov 7).
MMM said all affected workers must receive clear written information on their employment status, the restructuring timeline and the options available to them.
It acknowledged the financial pressures facing Media Mulia and the wider media industry but stressed that any measures taken must comply with employment laws, contractual obligations and principles of procedural fairness.
The council also urged Media Mulia's management to engage directly with employees and explain the options under consideration.
It said decisions affecting employment must be based on objective assessments and carried out through fair, transparent and properly documented procedures.
Where individual performance concerns arise, employees should be informed of specific shortcomings and given reasonable opportunities to respond.
They should also receive appropriate guidance, support and sufficient time to demonstrate improvement before any decision affecting their employment is made.
MMM further called on the company to seriously consider all reasonable alternatives to avoid unnecessary retrenchments while safeguarding employees' rights and welfare.
The council, which was represented at the meeting with Fahmi, expressed appreciation for the minister's willingness to explore solutions to protect the livelihoods of affected media workers.
It said it remained prepared to engage with Media Mulia's management, employees and other stakeholders to find practical solutions that balance the company's long-term sustainability with the welfare of its workforce.
"The survival of media organisations and the protection of media workers must not be treated as competing priorities. Both are essential to the future of Malaysian journalism," it said.
Media Mulia announced on Nov 2 that nearly 100 employees would be placed under a paid leave programme as part of a strategic review of its business model and operations.
The company subsequently clarified that affected employees would continue receiving their full salaries during the three-month programme, which would allow management to reassess operational and staffing requirements.
Following the meeting with Fahmi, Media Mulia director and chief financial officer Abd Wahid Idris said the company had agreed to review the programme and consider alternatives to retrenchment.
He said the company remained open to adjustments aimed at ensuring business continuity while protecting employees' welfare.
Media Mulia has maintained that Utusan Malaysia and Kosmo! will continue operating as it adapts to changes in the media landscape, particularly the growing shift towards digital platforms.
