KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 — The Communications Ministry is prepared to hold discussions with TikTok to enable media organisations in Malaysia to generate revenue from livestream content broadcast on the platform.
Its minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said media organisations should be given the opportunity to earn returns from audiences viewing content through their official platforms.
“Many of our media friends have asked why they are unable to generate revenue from the livestreams they produce, and I would like to convey the message from Editors-in-Chief to TikTok Malaysia’s Head of Public Policy for this matter to be considered.
“Media organisations feel there is a need for them to find revenue streams from livestream broadcasts and content they produce, which in my view are of very high quality,” he said during the closing ceremony of the Festival Belia @ National Youth Day 2026 celebration for the Federal Territories today.
Speaking to the media after the event, Fahmi said the issue was not limited to TikTok, as most social media platforms also benefit from content produced by media organisations and official media accounts.
However, Editors-in-Chief have informed him that certain platforms, including TikTok, do not allow media organisations to monetise or receive returns from content they publish.
“So I am requesting, and I am prepared to hold discussions with TikTok to see what can be done to help media organisations in Malaysia.
“If a media organisation conducts a livestream that attracts tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of viewers through its official account, there should be some form of return from platforms such as TikTok,” he said.
This is especially true when viewers were unable to send virtual gifts or financial contributions despite tuning in because of the media brand itself.
Fahmi added that they will continue working with social media platforms to ensure the country’s media ecosystem can grow sustainably, including by exploring more suitable monetisation models for local media organisations.
