The country scored 56.09 points this year, a recovery from its 2024 slump when it plunged 34 places to 107th with a score of 52.07.
However, the new ranking still falls short of Malaysia’s 2023 position of 73rd.
And despite the gain, RSF continues to classify Malaysia’s media landscape as being in a “problematic situation”.
In the Asean region, Malaysia remains second behind its neighbour Thailand (85th), but ahead of Brunei (97th), the Philippines (116th), Singapore (123rd), Indonesia (127th), Laos (150th), Cambodia (161st), Myanmar (169th), and Vietnam (173th).
The report also notes that the country scored poorly on legislation (133rd) and politics (92nd).
“The authorities are after investigative reporters, and the monarchy is an extremely sensitive subject, as are discussions on race and religion,” it said.
“Any form of commentary or reporting deemed critical of the monarchy can result in prosecution, leading to widespread self-censorship on the matter.”
Malaysia fared slightly better on economic (60th), social (81st), and security (90th) indicators.
RSF said starting a media outlet in Malaysia is risky due to strict licensing controls and concentrated ownership that undermines editorial independence.
“Several media moguls (are) threatening the independence and pluralism of the entire sector,” it said.
As for safety, RSF said Malaysian journalists are rarely the targets of physical attacks, although some face judicial harassment or smear campaigns.
Last February, the government introduced a journalism code of ethics to address challenges posed by social media.
The Malaysian Media Council Bill was passed in both houses of Parliament in March, paving the way for an independent body to oversee the media.
However, RSF and other watchdogs have continued to urge Malaysia to repeal colonial-era laws such as the Sedition Act 1948 and the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.
The World Press Freedom Index assesses press freedom across 180 countries based on factors such as political context, legal framework, media independence, transparency, and journalist safety.