Malaysia's Communications Ministry established a Quick Response Team (QRT) to help government departments identify and coordinate timely communication on issues that may quickly become viral, the ministry announced on May 20 [1, 2, 3].
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the QRT aims to provide fast, comprehensive, and definitive explanations of government policies, reducing public confusion and lessening the burden on government agencies and ministers. "The Quick Response Team is a capability to identify issues that may go viral… and to provide comprehensive and decisive communication so that the matter does not burden ministries, departments, ministers or the government, while ensuring proper clarification and de-escalation," Fahmi said [1, 2, 3].
The minister stressed the importance of the ministry's role in stepping in when communication breakdowns occur. "When policies from other ministries are perceived as not being communicated effectively, the issue often raised is that communication has not succeeded," he said [2]. The ministry notes its personnel have strong capabilities to effectively convey government information to the public [1, 2, 3].
At a ceremony to honour 687 staff with the 2025 Excellence Service Award (APC) on May 20, Fahmi spoke about the QRT and communication strategies. Of those recognised, 535 are from Peninsular Malaysia, including 66 from the Communications Ministry, 234 from RTM, 121 from the News Department, 18 from the Community Communications Bureau (JKom), 8 from IPPTAR, 63 from Bernama, and 25 from FINAS [1, 2, 3].
Bernama marked its 59th anniversary with praise from Fahmi for its role as a trusted national news source in the digital age. The minister extended gratitude to Bernama staff for their commitment to fast, accurate, and authoritative reporting since 1967 [1].
Fahmi also urged civil servants to practise prudent spending amid global economic uncertainties linked to the Middle East conflict and its effects on supply chains [1, 2, 3]. The government reassured the public of sufficient fuel and essential goods supply until the end of the year, with support from Petronas and other parties [1, 2, 3]. He urged citizens not to panic buy, advising, "When we go to the shops, there is no need to panic-buy. Just buy what is necessary and leave enough for others, neighbours and the community as well" [2].
The awarded APC staff and the establishment of the QRT reflect the Communications Ministry's focus on improving government communication and public understanding of policies.
