Media Mulia Places Nearly 100 Employees On Paid Leave Amid Business Model Transformation

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2  – Media Mulia Sdn Bhd has initiated a paid leave programme affecting nearly 100 employees as part of a strategic review of its business model, operational structure, and corporate direction.

Media Mulia Director and Chief Financial Officer Abd Wahid Idris stated on Monday, November 2, 2026, that the rationalisation exercise is aimed at ensuring business continuity and long-term sustainability as the media industry shifts towards digital-first platforms.

Despite the internal restructuring, Abd Wahid emphasized that the company remains fully committed to publishing its flagship print newspapers, Utusan Malaysia and Kosmo!, for its loyal print readership base.

“The paid leave programme aims to reassess operational requirements, human resource utilisation and the company’s capacity to place greater emphasis on digital content, more effective and higher-quality news delivery platforms, as well as long-term business sustainability,” Abd Wahid declared in a statement published in Utusan Malaysia.

Abd Wahid noted that the rationalisation will preserve the legacy and distinct editorial identities of both Utusan Malaysia and Kosmo! while strengthening digital delivery.

He reminded that current management stepped in to rescue the two historic newspaper brands after their former owner ceased operations in 2019. “Hence, strategic adjustments are necessary to ensure the continuity of both brands and the organisation, and to prevent them from meeting the same fate as before,” he added.

Regarding staff welfare, Abd Wahid reassured affected personnel that the company will protect employee rights and welfare in full compliance with existing labor laws and regulatory standards.

Restructuring Scope, Brand Legacy, and Staff Welfare

Key corporate restructuring details, brand history, and employee measures include:

• Scope of Paid Leave: Nearly 100 staff members placed on paid leave to facilitate operational reassessments and digital alignment.
• Digital Transformation Thrust: Reallocating resources toward digital content creation and modern digital delivery platforms.
• Print Commitment & Brand Preservation: Publication of Utusan Malaysia and Kosmo! print editions will continue without compromising editorial credibility or legacy.
• Employee Welfare Commitment: Full compliance with Malaysian labor laws to safeguard employee rights throughout the transition period.

–NMT