The Communications Ministry is prepared to engage with TikTok to explore ways for Malaysian media organisations to generate revenue from livestream content broadcast on the platform.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said media organisations should have the opportunity to earn returns from audiences consuming content through their official channels.
He said many media practitioners had raised concerns over the inability to monetise livestream content produced by their organisations.
“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 to identify 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 on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters after the event, Fahmi said the issue extends beyond TikTok, noting that many social media platforms also benefit from content created by media organisations and official news accounts.
However, he said editors-in-chief had informed him that some platforms, including TikTok, currently do not allow media organisations to monetise or receive financial returns from the content they publish.
“As such, I am requesting, and I am prepared to hold discussions with TikTok to see what can be done to support 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.
Fahmi added that this is particularly relevant when audiences tune in because of the credibility of the media brand, yet are unable to send virtual gifts or financial contributions through the platform.
He said the ministry would continue collaborating with social media platforms to support the sustainability of Malaysia’s media ecosystem, including exploring more suitable monetisation models for local media organisations.
