KUALA LUMPUR, December 15 — The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (Content Forum) has launched the landmark Guidelines on Disability-Inclusive Language, a national reference designed to promote respectful, accurate and empowering communication for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Developed through extensive collaboration with disability communities, advocates, linguists and industry experts, the Guidelines address long-standing concerns about harmful terminology, negative stereotypes, sensationalist portrayals and inconsistent language standards across Malaysia’s multilingual environment.

The document offers practical recommendations for journalists, creators, brands, educators and public agencies, covering issues from outdated terms and ableist framing to visual misrepresentation and AI-generated descriptions.

Industry and community leaders welcomed the publication as a major step forward in normalising disability inclusion and elevating media standards nationwide. Contributors from AIDA, SIUMAN and The OKU Rights Matter Project emphasised that the Guidelines reflect meaningful engagement with the disability community and align with global disability rights principles.

Content Forum CEO Mediha Mahmood said the initiative demonstrates what is possible when stakeholders work together to promote dignity and equitable representation. The Guidelines on Disability-Inclusive Language are now available for download on the Content Forum’s official website.