6pct GDP growth must benefit rakyat directly, says Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia's robust economic growth must directly benefit the population, according to Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil. Speaking at the Communications Ministry's August monthly assembly, Fahmi emphasized that a 6% GDP growth in the second quarter of 2026, alongside robust investment and trade figures, low inflation, and unemployment rates, indicated the economy was heading in the right direction.

However, he cautioned that these achievements would be meaningless if the populace did not comprehend or feel their impact on their daily lives.

Fahmi stressed that large figures and signals of progress should translate into tangible benefits for the people. He explained that the Communications Ministry, Information Department (JaPen), and Community Communications Department (J-Kom) have a responsibility to elucidate how the country's economic gains were achieved and how they directly benefited the populace.

Additionally, he called on Corporate Communication Units within every ministry to enhance their communication of government policies and achievements to the public, ensuring that people understand issues that these entities might otherwise overlook.

Regarding the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on the Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), Fahmi highlighted the need for clear communication with the public, especially its nearly 10 million depositors. He noted that the RCI report presentation by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) adhered to established practice, with the minister responsible for Tabung Haji being the Minister of Religion.

Furthermore, Fahmi reported that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had identified over 10,000 fake accounts linked to race, religion, and royalty issues, utilized to disseminate false narratives, misinformation, and inappropriate content. He emphasized the importance of intensifying efforts to eliminate these fake accounts.