Malaysia rises up 22 places on World Press Freedom Index

Last updated on May 7th, 2021 at 09:19 am

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia has climbed up to rank 101 in the latest 2020 World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Malaysia took home the biggest increase among 180 countries, topping the South-east Asian neighbors like it did in the 2019 Index, followed by Indonesia (119th) Philippines (136th) Myanmar (139th) Thailand (140th) Cambodia (144th) Brunei (152) Singapore (158) Laos (172) and Vietnam (175).

Malaysia’s score also went down to 33.12 this year, Lower score indicates a greater press freedom.

According to RSF, the big rise in Malaysia were attributed to the change of government through the polls and improving  environment or journalists and combating self-censorship. Maldives followed Malaysia, jumping 19 places to Rank 79th. Haiti received the biggest decline which fell 21 places to rank 83rd. Violent nationwide protests where journalist were being targeted are cited as a factor.

Katherine S

1/4 German, 3/4 Malaysian. I write, follow and monitor closely political news happening in Malaysia, and other happening news in the ASEAN region. Newswriter for the best ASEAN news website - The Asian Affairs.

Recent Posts

Bali’s “Digital Nomad” Visa: New 9 AM Handbook for Remote Workers Released Today – What the 2026 Tax Rules Mean for You

Bali has since been a remote work dream destination but the coming year 2026 is altering the rules of the…

April 24, 2026

1.2 Million Tickets in 6 Days: Why ‘Phí Phông’ is the Scariest Viral Hit of 2026

Phí Phông: Quỷ Máu Rừng Thiêng has provided a buffer blockbuster to the Vietnam film industry. The movie has swept…

April 24, 2026

Why Thailand is Under a “Lethal Heat” Warning This Morning and the 15-Minute Rule Every Tourist Needs to Know Today

Thailand is experiencing one of the most threatening heatwaves in recent history, and the government is sending serious alerts of…

April 23, 2026

Travel Update: Qatar Airways Resumes Daily Flights to Dubai and Sharjah Today; Damascus Service Returns May 1

The Middle East travel corridor is opening sooner than anticipated as Qatar Airways officially opened important routes in the region…

April 23, 2026

Vietnam’s 350km/h Revolution: Hanoi to Halong Bay in 23 Minutes — High-Speed Rail Project Kicks Off, When Will You Be Able To Access It?

With the first high-speed railway opening in Vietnam, it is entering a new age of transportation. The Hanoi–Quang Ninh High-Speed…

April 23, 2026

60% Slash: Korea’s Massive Duty-Free Shopping Festival Starts This Saturday — Top Things You Need To Know About

The Korea Duty-Free FESTA 2026 starts the countdown with the official start of the occasion on April 25 with preparations…

April 23, 2026

This website uses cookies.

Read More