KUCHING: The Communications and Digital Ministry is looking into a mechanism for social media providers like TikTok, Google and Meta to contribute higher returns to the Malaysian media industry.
Minister Fahmi Fadzil said he would continue to study this issue to ensure that the media ecosystem in Malaysia was sustainable and healthy.
"After a meeting involving the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the ministry with TikTok, Google and Meta, I have discussed several matters with MCMC on the need to register and license these platforms.
"We see a need to perhaps consider a mechanism for these three platforms to (give something back) to the Malaysian media industry," he said on Thursday (Sept 14).
Fahmi said this was because the three platforms used a lot of content produced by Malaysian media organisations but the returns to the local outfits were very low.
"We don't just want to help reporters and other personnel who have fallen on hard times but also the media industry itself," he added after visiting RTM producer Irwan Budi Annuar, who has kidney and lung complications, at his home here.
He presented a donation to Irwan from the Tabung Kasih@Hawana fund, which was set up to help media personnel in need of assistance.
"For each case we visit, the situation may be different. Some face other issues besides health problems.
"I'm taking the opportunity through these visits to better understand the problems and we will try to find a holistic and sustainable solution," Fahmi said.
In addition to Irwan, assistance under the fund was also presented to former New Sarawak Tribune sports editor Juary Mesa, who suffered a stroke in 2021.
The contribution was handed over by the Hawana 2023 secretariat who visited Juary at his home at Kampung Moyan Lidang in Asajaya.
