English-language news in Malaysia operates within a tightly regulated media environment where government licensing and ownership influence editorial direction.
While English publications cater to an urban, educated readership, especially in business, politics, and trade coverage, they remain subject to restrictions under laws governing sedition, defamation, and national security.
Independent reporting exists but is limited, and self-censorship is common.
The country’s major English outlets are a mix of state-linked and private enterprises, with most falling under large conglomerates with political or commercial ties.
This structure shapes reporting priorities, often favouring stability, economic growth, and official perspectives over adversarial journalism.
Coverage of topics such as wages, the economy, and governance frequently reflects this balance between public interest and regulatory boundaries.
Digital platforms and smaller online outlets provide some space for alternative voices, though they face regulatory oversight and financial pressures.
Social media and regional publications have become important supplementary sources for readers seeking more critical or diverse viewpoints.
For audiences interested in Malaysia’s economy and trade developments, English-language outlets remain central, despite the limitations on press freedom.
Key English news websites in Malaysia 2025
There are a number of English news media outlets in Malaysia. These include:
The Star
The Star is a major daily English-language newspaper and news website. It is owned by Star Media Group Berhad, which is publicly listed; a large share is held by the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA).
New Straits Times
New Straits Times is one of the older English newspapers in Malaysia with a strong online presence. It is published by The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Bhd, which is a subsidiary of Media Prima.
The Edge Malaysia
The Edge Malaysia is a business- and investment-focused publication, available in print and online. It is owned by The Edge Communications Sdn Bhd, which is controlled by Tan Sri Tong Kooi Ong.
Free Malaysia Today (FMT)
Free Malaysia Today is a bilingual online news portal (English & Malay) with strong reach in coverage of current affairs. It is published by FMT Media Sdn Bhd, which operates independently.
Bernama
Bernama is the national news agency of Malaysia, providing news in multiple languages including English. It is government-owned.
Independent news sources in Malaysia
There are a number of Independent English news media outlets in Malaysia. These include:
Malaysiakini
Malaysiakini is an independent digital news portal founded in 1999 by Premesh Chandran and Steven Gan.
It is published by Mkini Group Sdn Bhd, with majority ownership by its co-founders and staff.
The outlet claims editorial independence from government, large corporate advertisers, and political parties and is known for investigative journalism and critical political coverage.
Free Malaysia Today (FMT)
Free Malaysia Today is an independent, bilingual online news site launched in 2009.
It is owned by FMT Media Sdn Bhd. FMT emphasises current affairs, government accountability, business, and social issues.
The Vibes
The Vibes is an English-language independent online news portal that launched in September 2020.
It is operated by The Vibes Dotcom Sdn Bhd (part of Petra Group) under leadership including Terence Fernandez and Datuk Ahirudin Attan.
The Vibes aims to offer balanced reporting, commentary, and analysis from “every side.”
New Naratif
New Naratif is a Malaysia-based independent journalism platform established in 2017.
It was co-founded by Thum Ping Tjin, Kirsten Han, and Sonny Liew and funded by membership fees, grants and private donations.
The outlet publishes investigative pieces, explainers, multimedia content and focuses on democracy, freedom of expression, and Southeast Asian current affairs.
Other news sources
There are a number of other sources of news and information. These include:
Government sources
- Ministry of Finance Malaysia issues fiscal policy updates, budgets, and economic reports.
- Bank Negara Malaysia provides monetary policy statements, financial stability reports, and exchange rate data.
- Ministry of International Trade and Industry covers trade policy, investment updates, and export performance.
- Securities Commission Malaysia regulates capital markets and publishes guidelines, reports, and enforcement actions.
- Department of Statistics Malaysia publishes official data on population, trade, and the economy.
International institutions
- International Monetary Fund delivers Article IV reports and macroeconomic assessments of Malaysia.
- World Bank offers analysis of Malaysia’s development, investment climate, and poverty reduction.
- Asian Development Bank supports infrastructure projects and publishes country outlooks on Malaysia.
- Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development provides policy reviews and comparative studies involving Malaysia.
Private research and financial data providers
- Bloomberg supplies financial data, stock analysis, and economic indicators on Malaysia.
- Moody’s Investors Service publishes sovereign ratings, risk assessments, and sector reports.
- Fitch Ratings covers Malaysia’s credit profile, debt outlook, and industry analysis.
- S&P Global provides ratings, economic forecasts, and commodity market insights for Malaysia.
Industry groups
- Malaysian Palm Oil Board publishes industry statistics, research, and policy updates on palm oil.
- Malaysian Rubber Board covers production, exports, and research in the rubber sector.
- Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers represents industrial players and issues reports on trade and manufacturing.
- Malaysian Investment Development Authority promotes investment and provides data on industrial zones and incentives.
Law firms and consultancies
- Skrine is a leading Malaysian law firm releasing insights on corporate, trade, and compliance issues.
- PwC Malaysia provides consulting and publishes reports on taxation, investment, and market outlooks.
- KPMG Malaysia offers advisory services and industry research including sector-specific analyses.
Censorship in Malaysia
Censorship is common in Malaysia. This section provides a brief overview of how it works.
Legal framework
Censorship in Malaysia is underpinned by the Federal Constitution, which grants freedom of speech but permits restrictions for reasons of security, order, or morality.
The Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) of 1984 provides the government broad authority to license or ban publications.
The Sedition Act of 1948 criminalises speech deemed to incite discontent, and its scope has been expanded to cover online content.
These laws establish the structural basis for government intervention in public discourse.
Current trends
Internet censorship has intensified, with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) blocking access to websites critical of government policy.
Film and broadcast media face guidelines restricting themes that contradict cultural values, while books continue to be banned under the PPPA.
In 2025, seven publications were prohibited on grounds of morality and public order, reflecting a continued willingness to suppress material considered politically or socially sensitive.
Areas of impact
Censorship most strongly affects discussion of religion, race, and royalty, commonly known as the “3Rs.”
Political criticism, dissenting views on government, and content related to LGBT+ issues are frequently targeted, leading to prosecutions and content removals.
Journalists, academics, and citizens increasingly engage in self-censorship to avoid regulatory scrutiny.
This environment narrows public debate and constrains independent media, reinforcing state influence over information and expression.
Regional comparison
Malaysia’s press environment is not unlike its neighbours. Here is how it compares to other ASEAN states.
Thailand
Thailand’s media is more constrained in certain respects than Malaysia, especially regarding criticism of the monarchy.
Strict lèse-majesté laws and defamation rules drive self-censorship and prosecutions of journalists.
See also: English News in Thailand
Indonesia
Indonesia offers a freer media environment than Malaysia overall, with more pluralism and investigative journalism.
However, defamation suits and online content regulations are increasing constraints.
See also: English News in Indonesia
Vietnam
Vietnam’s media environment is far more repressive than Malaysia.
All outlets are state controlled, and criticism of the government or ruling party is illegal.
See also: English News in Vietnam
Philippines
The Philippines generally has more media freedom than Malaysia with a vibrant press culture and investigative journalism.
Risks remain from political intimidation, legal pressure, and violence against reporters.
See also: English News in the Philippines
FAQ: English news in Malaysia
These are some of the most commonly asked questions about English news in Malaysia.
What are the most well-known English news outlets in Malaysia?
The main outlets are The Star, New Straits Times, Free Malaysia Today, Malaysiakini, The Edge Malaysia, and Bernama.
Is the media in Malaysia censored?
Yes, the government regulates print, broadcast, and online media through laws like the PPPA and Sedition Act, leading to bans and self-censorship.
Where can I find more objective or independent news about Malaysia?
Independent platforms such as Malaysiakini, Free Malaysia Today, and The Vibes are widely used for less filtered reporting.
How do expats in Malaysia stay informed?
Expats often rely on English-language outlets, regional platforms like Nikkei Asia and BBC, and social media networks for news updates.
Outlook for English news in Malaysia
English news in Malaysia is dominated by a handful of major outlets, including The Star and New Straits Times, which are linked to political or corporate interests and tend to reflect official narratives.
Independent platforms such as Malaysiakini, Free Malaysia Today, and The Vibes provide alternative reporting, though they operate under legal and financial pressures.
The media environment is tightly regulated under laws like the Printing Presses and Publications Act and the Sedition Act, resulting in censorship and widespread self-censorship.
Despite these constraints, English-language news remains a key source for business, trade, and political coverage, particularly for urban readers, professionals, and the expatriate community.
That said, Southeast Asian economies can be dynamic and change quickly.
With this in mind, the best way to keep up to date with the changing business environment is to make sure to subscribe to the-shiv.