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KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia’s Communications Ministry is intensifying efforts to persuade TikTok to allow monetisation for livestreams hosted by local media organisations, a move that could reshape the economics of digital journalism in the country.
Speaking at the Festival Belia @ National Youth Day 2026, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil underscored the importance of enabling revenue-sharing mechanisms for media outlets that attract large audiences on TikTok.
“When a livestream garners tens of thousands of viewers, the media should be entitled to monetisation,” Fahmi said, highlighting growing frustration among editors-in-chief who argue that platforms profit from their content without offering fair compensation.
Media leaders have repeatedly raised the issue of livestream monetisation, noting that while TikTok allows creators to earn through virtual gifts and other features, these options are not extended to professional news organisations.
Fahmi confirmed that he had conveyed these concerns directly to TikTok Malaysia’s Head of Public Policy, urging the platform to reconsider its current stance.
For editors, the inability to monetise livestreams represents a missed opportunity at a time when traditional advertising revenues are under pressure.
Many believe that platforms should acknowledge the value of professional journalism by offering equitable revenue-sharing models.
Broader Industry Context
Fahmi stressed that the problem is not confined to TikTok alone.
Other social platforms also benefit from media content without providing clear monetisation pathways.
The ministry’s push reflects a broader global debate: should platforms compensate publishers for content that drives traffic and engagement?
Countries such as Australia and Canada have already introduced legislation requiring tech giants to pay for news content.
Malaysia’s approach, however, appears to focus on negotiation and partnership rather than regulation, at least for now.
Implications for Media and Platforms
For media organisations monetisation could provide a vital new revenue stream, enabling investment in higher quality reporting and production.
For TikTok and other platforms agreeing to revenue sharing may set a precedent in Southeast Asia, potentially influencing platform publisher relations across the region.
For audiences enhanced monetisation could lead to more professional, engaging livestreams, as outlets would have stronger incentives to invest in digital formats.
Government’s Role
By positioning itself as a mediator, Malaysia’s government is seeking to balance the interests of global platforms with the sustainability of local journalism.
Fahmi’s intervention signals a recognition that without fair compensation, media organisations may struggle to thrive in the digital age.
The outcome of Malaysia’s talks with TikTok could mark a turning point for the country’s media industry.
If successful, the initiative may not only strengthen the financial footing of local publishers but also set an example for other nations grappling with the challenges of digital monetisation.
