World · Malaysia Bureau
Social media now dominant news source for majority of Malaysians
Nearly seven in ten Malaysians are turning to social media platforms for their news consumption, according to latest media consumption data. Traditional print media continues its sharp decline as digital channels reshape the information landscape.
LSN Malaysia ·
Social media has emerged as the primary news source for Malaysian consumers, with nearly 69 percent of respondents accessing news through these platforms, according to recent research findings. The shift underscores a significant transformation in how the country's population stays informed.
Conventional news websites rank as the second most-used news channel, with 42 percent of respondents relying on them for information, while television maintains a foothold at 36 percent of the audience. The data reflects broader regional trends toward digital consumption across Asia.
Print media has experienced the steepest decline, capturing only 14 percent of news consumers. The contraction reflects the accelerating shift away from physical newspapers and magazines as readers increasingly favour immediate, on-demand access to information through digital channels.
The findings highlight evolving challenges for news publishers and media organizations navigating audience preferences in Malaysia's digital era. As social media platforms consolidate their role as news gatekeepers, questions remain about information quality, verification standards, and the sustainability of professional journalism in the region.