Salutation
Yang Berusaha Encik Nik Kamaruzaman Nik Husin
Deputy Secretary-General
(Strategic Communications and Creative Industry),
Ministry of Communications
Yang Berbahagia Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai
Chairman,
Malaysian National News Agency (BERNAMA)
Yang Berbahagia Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin
Chief Executive Officer BERNAMA and
Chairman HAWANA 2026 Working Committee
Distinguished guests, speakers and panellists
Members of the media
Academicians, strategic partners, ladies and gentlemen
Good morning and Salam Malaysia MADANI.
OPENING
It is a great honour and pleasure to be here this morning to officiate the HAWANA 2026 Media Forum, held in conjunction with Malaysian National Journalists’ Day, or HAWANA.
I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to BERNAMA and the organising committee for successfully bringing together a diverse and distinguished group of media professionals, industry leaders, and academics. This forum is both timely and highly significant.
The theme of HAWANA 2026, ‘Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility’, is not only relevant but indeed fundamental to the resilience, sustainability, and continued strength of journalism in today’s rapidly evolving information landscape.
MEDIA IN A TIME OF TRANSFORMATION
We meet at a time when the media industry is undergoing profound transformation. The way news is produced, distributed and consumed has changed dramatically. Digital platforms have democratised information, but they have also intensified competition, disrupted traditional revenue models, and challenged long-standing editorial practices.
At the same time, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping newsroom operations, from content generation and verification to audience engagement and data-driven analysis. These developments present both opportunities and risks. While technology can significantly enhance efficiency and expand reach, it also raises critical questions surrounding accuracy, accountability, and public trust.
A WORLD IN UNCERTAINTY & THE RISE OF MISINFORMATION
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we gather today, we do so in a time of global uncertainty. Events in West Asia are no longer distant. They are actively shaping narratives worldwide. In this highly interconnected environment, digital platforms are flooded with emotive, polarising and often unverified content, spreading at unprecedented speed. In such a climate, the role of journalists transcends simple reporting - “You are the architects of truth, context and clarity.”
As Deputy Minister of Communications, I am deeply concerned by how quickly false information can shape public perception today. News, whether true or false, spreads within seconds, often influencing how people think, react and make decisions.
Allow me to share some data that is quite concerning for all of us. Between 29 March and 30 April 2026, a total of 464 false content pieces related to the global supply crisis were identified. Of these, 312 contents (67%) were successfully taken down, while 65 investigation papers were opened, with 15 cases referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers and others still under investigation. This is a stark reminder to all of us: ‘Tidak Pasti Jangan Kongsi’
At the same time, artificial intelligence (AI) is accelerating the spread of misinformation. Deepfakes are becoming increasingly convincing, while scammers are using AI to make their tactics more sophisticated and harder to detect. This is no longer just a local issue, but a growing global challenge with real cases of voices and facial identities being manipulated to deceive victims.
The scale of fraudulent content, including fake accounts and impersonation of public figures has also risen sharply. In 2023, a total of 6,297 such cases were recorded. This number surged to 63,652 in 2024 and further escalated to 98,503 in 2025. In 2026 alone, as of 30 April, 60,829 pieces of such content have already been taken down by platforms.
Amid these challenges, one principle remains constant, journalism is a pillar of democracy and a trusted source of verified information. In an era of misinformation, credibility is no longer assumed, it must be earned, consistently and transparently. This is why integrity in the media is not just an ideal, it is a necessity.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I acknowledge that controlling the spread of misinformation and disinformation is not an easy task. This is why digital literacy among the rakyat is more important than ever. We must empower individuals to think critically, verify information before sharing and understand the real impact of their words in the digital space. Technology alone cannot solve this issue. It requires a collective sense of responsibility from all of us to build a safer, more respectful online environment.
THE GOVERNMENT’S ROLE & MEDIA SUSTAINABILITY
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The latest Reporters Without Borders report places Malaysia at 95th, down from 88th last year. While journalist safety has improved, declines in the media economy and legislative environment remain a concern and this is not a position we are satisfied with. Journalism is a pillar of democracy.
While the enforcement agencies also have a role to maintain public order, a more “proportionate and measured” approach should be adopted. More dialogue over detention. Disputes over reporting should be resolved through the Malaysian Media Council as the primary arbiter.
At the same time, the media industry is undergoing a structural shift, with revenue increasingly flowing to global digital platforms. In response, the government introduced the RM30 million Media Innovation Fund (Dana Inovasi Media), offering up to RM300,000 per project to support training for media professionals, technology adoption, equipment and infrastructure, as well as content development and R&D.
Phase 1 has been successfully completed, with 34 organisations receiving RM12.38 million. Meanwhile, I am pleased to share that Phase 2 and 3 applicants have begun receiving their approval letters today, 7 May, as part of the continued rollout of this initiative.
Under Phase 2, 16 organisations received RM5.16 million, while Phase 3 involved 10 organisations with RM2.6 million approved. To date, a total of RM20.14 million (67.1%) has been approved from the RM30 million allocation, benefiting 60 organisations with a remaining RM9.86 million to be utilised in upcoming phases.
For Phase 4 (closed on 14 April), 10 applications were received, with 7 confirmed eligible and currently under evaluation. Phase 5 is now open until 14 May and local media organisations registered with The Malaysian Information Department (JaPen) are strongly encouraged to apply to strengthen skills, enhance competitiveness and explore new approaches in the evolving media landscape.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
However, beyond strengthening the industry, we must also prioritise the well-being of our media practitioners. The role of journalists is not only professionally demanding but also comes with safety risks and health challenges. In this regard, one meaningful effort is the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA under BERNAMA, which continues to provide support to media personnel across the country.
This year alone, contributions have been channelled to 122 media practitioners, amounting to a total of RM370,000. Cumulatively, as of 30 April 2026, a total of 728 media practitioners nationwide have benefited from this initiative, with overall contributions reaching RM1.94 million.
As we move forward, it is crucial that we continue to support not only the sustainability of media institutions, but also the people behind the stories who keep the public informed every single day.
CONCLUSION
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Despite technological advancements, we must never forget that the true strength of journalism lies in its human touch. Values such as empathy, ethics and responsibility cannot be replaced by machines.
Let me be clear: journalism must remain human at its core. While AI offers powerful tools to enhance efficiency and innovation, it should support — not replace — human judgment, integrity and accountability.
In this context, today’s forum is both timely and significant. With over 200 participants in attendance, it is not just a platform for discussion, but a space to shape the future of journalism.
That message resonates strongly with all of us here today, as we navigate an increasingly complex information landscape across our region.
On that note, it is my honour and pleasure to officially declare the HAWANA 2026 Media Forum open.
Thank You.