PUTRAJAYA: The Community Communications (J-KOM) Department will now fall under the purview of the Communication Ministry.
Minister Fahmi Fadzil revealed that the decision received unanimous approval during today's cabinet meeting, presided over by Prime Minister.
The agency now resides within the Prime Minister's Department (JPM), having been relocated from the Communications and Multimedia Ministry during the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government.
Fahmi said other agencies involved are namely Bernama, Information Department (JaPen), Broadcasting Department (encompassing RTM), Tun Abdul Razak Broadcasting and Information Institute, National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and MyCreative Ventures.
However, he said the status of Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) who responsible in rolling out the 5G infrastructure in Malaysia remains unknown pending the decision from the government.
Addressing concerns, Fahmi clarified that despite sharing the same administrative umbrella, there will be no merger between Jabatan Penerangan and J-KOM, preserving their distinct functions.
"No, the agencies will not merge, and they will remain with their respective functions," he stated during a press conference held at the Ministry.
The split, announced on Tuesday, is part of a broader cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Current Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil will now head the Ministry of Communications, while former Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo will head the Ministry of Digital.
Media reports suggest that the split is significant to ensure the growth of the digital economy in Malaysia continues to flourish.
This decision aligns with the unity government's digital transformation agenda and recognises the rapidly evolving nature of the digital landscape.
Regarding the appointment of the new J-KOM director-general (DG), Fahmi said that no decision has been made regarding the department's internal issues.
"I haven't had the chance to meet with them yet. But give them time and space to finalise some important decisions first," he said.
The J-KOM director-general seat was left vacant after its predecessor, Datuk Dr Mohammad Agus Yusoff, resigned from the post in November this year.
When contacted by the New Straits Times, Agus denied that it was due to pressure over his alleged poor performance.
On another development, Fahmi said the government, through the Information Department, will distribute the poster of the new cabinet lineup.
He emphasised the importance of public advocacy and general awareness regarding current ministries.
"The posters will be printed and distributed nationwide through the state Information department. The people, as stakeholders, need to know about these changes," he said.