Malaysia has climbed 19 places to 88th spot in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index.
According to the latest report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the country scored 56.09 points this year. In 2024, Malaysia was placed 107 on the list after scoring 52.07 points.
RSF, in its report, noted: “The (Malaysian) government exerts a great deal of political pressure to deter the media from tackling sensitive subjects or from criticising politicians and government officials. The authorities are after investigative reporters, and the monarchy is an extremely sensitive subject, as are discussions on race and religion. Any form of commentary or reporting deemed critical of the monarchy can result in prosecution, leading to widespread self-censorship on the matter.”
As for the safety of media personnel, RSF said: “Malaysian journalists are rarely the target of physical attacks, but some are subjected to judicial harassment or smear campaigns. Recent threats to journalism have included prosecutions involving huge expenses, police searches of media outlet headquarters, disregard for the confidentiality of sources, and expulsions of foreign reporters or whistleblowers.”
Malaysia is second in Southeast Asia. Thailand leads at the 85th spot, while the rest are ranked as – Brunei (97), the Philippines (116), Singapore (123), Indonesia (127), Laos (150), Cambodia (161), Myanmar (169), and Vietnam (173).
Click here to read the RSF report.
