NUJ Urges Media Mulia To Ensure Transparency, Fairness In Restructuring

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- The National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJ) has expressed serious concern over the uncertainty facing employees of Media Mulia Sdn Bhd following the company's announcement of a restructuring and rationalisation exercise involving Utusan Malaysia and Kosmo!.

In a statement today, its general secretary Lydia Nathan said reports indicated that nearly 100 employees had been placed under a paid leave programme as part of the company's strategic review.

NUJ acknowledged that media organisations were operating under intense financial and industry pressures, particularly as audiences and advertising shifted towards digital platforms, and recognised that companies might need to review their business models and operations to remain viable.

"However, the welfare, job security and dignity of media workers cannot be treated as secondary considerations.

"Employees affected by this exercise deserve clear, timely and accurate information on the purpose of the restructuring, the criteria used to determine who is affected, the duration and terms of the paid leave programme, and what it means for their employment status, income and future livelihoods," she said.

Lydia said NUJ urged Media Mulia management to engage directly and meaningfully with affected employees and their representatives.

She said any commitment to protect employees’ welfare and rights must be translated into concrete action, including transparent communication, fair consultation, and full compliance with employment laws and contractual obligations.

“NUJ also urged all stakeholders to prioritise a resolution that protected the livelihoods of journalists and media workers.

"A sustainable media industry must be built on sustainable employment. Difficult business decisions may sometimes be unavoidable, but they must never come at the expense of transparency, fairness and meaningful consultation with the workers who sustain these newsrooms," she added.

NUJ said it stands ready to work with Media Mulia, affected employees, government agencies and other stakeholders to seek a fair, transparent and humane resolution.

On Nov 2, Media Mulia Sdn Bhd director and chief financial officer Abd Wahid Idris said the company was conducting a strategic review of its business model, operational structure and corporate direction, which included the implementation of a paid leave programme involving nearly 100 of its employees.

He said the rationalisation exercise was undertaken to ensure the continuity and sustainability of the business amid changes in the media industry landscape, which is now increasingly focused on digital platforms.

-- BERNAMA