Kuala lumpur: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has expressed his appreciation to Department of Broadcasting Malaysia director-general Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman, who will end his service on Feb 22 after three years helming the department. Speaking to reporters after the Communications Ministry's monthly assembly here today, Fahmi said he was very proud of the contributions and reforms introduced by Suhaimi at Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) throughout that period.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi officially announced that Suhaimi will end his service on Feb 22. Fahmi commended the work and creativity Suhaimi brought to the Department of Broadcasting Malaysia, highlighting several achievements that he believes cannot be forgotten.
Fahmi discussed the challenges of today's media landscape, noting the changing viewing patterns that require a shift in mindset within broadcasting organizations. He acknowledged that Suhaimi successfully managed these challenges, adapting to the demographic reality where audiences consume content on their handphones rather than exclusively watching television.
Among the reforms introduced by Suhaimi was the establishment of the Digital and Interactive Media (MDI) unit, which focuses on digital content production. Additionally, Suhaimi expanded RTM's presence on social media platforms such as TikTok. Fahmi noted a significant change in RTM's news format, with a news bulletin starting at 7.44 pm daily, aligning with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's aspiration to prioritize Bahasa Melayu as the national language.
Fahmi also mentioned the introduction of micro-dramas of less than one minute in duration, to be aired on the RTM Klik platform. This initiative, driven by Suhaimi, aims to adapt content to users' fast-paced viewing habits and is expected to begin airing this year.
As Suhaimi prepares to return to the business sector, Fahmi wished him success and stated that the process to appoint a successor will be initiated by Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah. Any announcements regarding the successor are to be awaited from the ministry.
On Feb 10, Suhaimi confirmed his departure from RTM at the end of the month, after leading it since January 2023.