Public Review: Disability-Inclusive Language Guidelines

Public review period: 3 September – 10 October 2025

The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (Content Forum), together with persons-with-disabilities (PWD) and industry stakeholders, have developed a set of Disability-Inclusive Language Guidelines.  

These Guidelines were initiated in response to calls from media professionals for clearer guidance on communicating respectfully about persons with disabilities (PwD). 

The aim is to: 

• Encourage equity, diversity, and respectful communication. 

• Align with the Content Code, local laws and global standards. 

• Support advertisers, broadcasters, creators, educators, and professionals in producing content that upholds dignity and inclusivity. 

Language shapes perceptions. Inclusive language removes barriers, challenges stereotypes, and reflects the values of a just society. 

Material:

• Public Review Paper: Draft Guidelines on Disability-Inclusive Language

(CLOSED) Public Consultation: Guidelines for Reporting and Sharing Suicide-Related Content

Public consultation period: 28 January – 13 March 2025

The responsible reporting and sharing of suicide-related content play a crucial role in safeguarding public well-being. To address this, we have developed a set of guidelines to help content creators, media professionals, and the public navigate this sensitive issue while adhering to ethical standards and best practices.

To ensure these guidelines are comprehensive and effective, we conducted a public consultation to gather valuable feedback and insights. We are pleased to announce that the consultation period has now ended. We sincerely thank everyone who participated—your contributions are greatly appreciated and will help shape the final guidelines.

We are currently reviewing all submissions and look forward to sharing the public consultation report with you soon.

Material:

• Public Consultation Paper: Guidelines for Reporting and Sharing Suicide-Related Content

(CLOSED) Public Consultation: Guidelines on the Marketing of Intoxicating Liquor

Public consultation period: 19 July – 19 August 2024

The revamped Content Code 2022 continues to ban intoxicating liquor advertisements on broadcast platforms. However, these advertisements continue to be offered on electronic media platforms based in Malaysia. As such, we have found the need to introduce new guidelines, to ensure such advertisements comply with existing laws and uphold public interest.

Together with industry players and experts, we have developed this comprehensive guide on how advertisers should market intoxicating liquor responsibly, following global best practices and adapted to local standards.

A public consultation exercise on this guide was conducted in order to gather valuable feedback and insights. We are pleased to announce that the consultation period has now ended. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who participated. Your contributions are greatly appreciated and will play a crucial role in shaping our next steps.

We are currently in the process of reviewing all submissions, and we look forward to sharing the public consultation report with you soon.

Material:

• Public Consultation Paper: Guidelines on the Marketing of Intoxicating Liquor