MEDIA
MATTERS
Digital Society
Research Report
Media Matters Volume 08
An annual publication by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC)
Copyright © Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, 2025
eISSN: 3093-6993
Published by:
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission
Editorial Board:
Malini Ramalingam
Shirley Kuan Chien Hui
Kasthuri Sri Tharan
Zachary Malik
Atiqah Nabilah Mohd Salleh
Bawani Sri Jayaveeran
Nor Aina Osman
Publishing Consultant and Printer:
BULB Communique Sdn Bhd
MCMC HQ Tower 1, Jalan Impact, Cyber 6, 63000 Cyberjaya Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
T: +603 8688 8000 | F: +603 8688 1000 | W: www.mcmc.gov.my
ABOUT DSRG
The Digital Society Research Grant (DSRG) was conceived to contribute towards the enhancement of information resources that are necessary and in line with changing community expectations as we navigate the transition towards a sustainable digital civil society.
This grant aims to grow the evidence base necessary for the nation to optimise the advancements made in communications infrastructure and service deployment. This base will assist the development of policy, programmes, and interventions to promote the inclusion and participation of all segments of the population as the nation transitions towards being a fully digitally connected and informed society.
ABOUT MCMC
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is a statutory body established under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Act (MCMCA) 1998 which implements the government's national policy objectives for the communications and multimedia sector.
MCMC regulates and develops the communications and multimedia industry, which includes telecommunications, broadcasting, online activities, postal services, and digital certification. The Communication and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998 assigns the policy implementation role to MCMC, while policy decisionmaking is vested with the Minister. MCMC is also responsible for postal services and digital certification under the Postal Services Act (PSA) 2012 and the Digital Signature Act (DSA) 1997.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
As AI becomes more embedded in content creation, customer service, and network optimisation, our task is twofold: to embrace its potential while ensuring transparency, human oversight, and ethical safeguards.
YBhg. Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din
Chairman
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Volume 08 of the MCMC Journal presents an insightful exploration into five pivotal themes that are shaping Malaysia's digital future. Through diverse yet interconnected topics, this volume highlights critical dimensions of the nation's digital ecosystem which are sustainability, technological adoption, broadcasting, digital literacy, and connectivity.
These themes collectively underscore the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission's (MCMC) unwavering commitment to fostering a digital landscape that is inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to the evolving needs of society
LEAD RESEARCHER
Ts. Dr. Amal A. M. Elgharbawy
INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA
TEAM MEMBERS
Dr. Nurhusna Samsudin
INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA
Dr. Anis Najiba Bt. Ahmad
INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA
Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Noor Faizul Hadry Nordin
INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA
Dr. Wan Syibrah Hanisah Binti Wan Sulaiman
INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA
LEAD RESEARCHER
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Izzal Asnira Zolkepli
UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA
TEAM MEMBERS
Dr. Rehan Tariq
UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA
Dr. Suriati Saad
UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA
LEAD RESEARCHER
Dr. Norhayati Mohamad Hussain
UNIVERSITI UTARA MALAYSIA
TEAM MEMBERS
Associate Professor Dr. Mohd. Khairie Ahmad
UNIVERSITI UTARA MALAYSIA
Dr. S. Maartandan Suppiah
UNIVERSITI UTARA MALAYSIA
LEAD RESEARCHER
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sabariah Mohamed Salleh
UNIVERSITI KEBANGSAAN MALAYSIA
TEAM MEMBERS
Dr. Hasrul Hashim
UNIVERSITI KEBANGSAAN MALAYSIA
Dr. Nurzihan Hassim
UNIVERSITI KEBANGSAAN MALAYSIA
Dr. Shamsiah Abd Kadir
UNIVERSITI KEBANGSAAN MALAYSIA
Dr. Nurul Akqmie Badrul Hisham
UNIVERSITI KEBANGSAAN MALAYSIA
Dr. Jeyasushma Veeriah
XIAMEN UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA
LEAD RESEARCHER
Ts. Dr. Suthashini Subramaniam
UNIVERSITI TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN
TEAM MEMBERS
Norazira Binti A Jalil
UNIVERSITI TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN
Ts. Sun Teik Heng
UNIVERSITI TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN
Dr. Hemaniswarri Dewi Dewadas
UNIVERSITI TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN
Ts. Dr. Mohana Shanmugam
UNIVERSITI TENAGA NASIONAL
Ms. Nor Fatiha Binti Subri
UNIVERSITI TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN
Ms. Ana Nabilah Binti Sa'uadi
UNIVERSITI TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN