Popular Formats for Press Releases in Malaysia: A Comprehensive Guide

In the evolving landscape of public communication, the press release remains a fundamental tool for businesses, NGOs, government agencies, and public figures in Malaysia. A well-structured press release can enhance credibility, attract media coverage, and engage the public with timely and relevant information. However, knowing the right format is as important as the message in Malaysia’s multilingual and multicultural media environment.

This article explores most popular formats press release Malaysia, how to structure them effectively, and how to tailor them for maximum media impact. Whether you’re a startup launching a product or an NGO announcing a campaign, this guide is tailored to help you navigate the best formats available.

Why the Right Format Matters in Malaysia

Malaysia’s media landscape is diverse, with English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Tamil publications. This diversity requires careful consideration of language, tone, structure, and media expectations.

A good press release format helps:

• Capture journalists’ attention

• Ensure clarity and professionalism

• Align with international and local editorial standards

• Improve the chances of being published

The Core Elements of a Malaysian Press Release

Regardless of the format you choose, certain elements are standard:

1. Headline – Catchy, informative, and concise.

2. Sub-headline (optional) – Provides additional context.

3. Dateline – Includes the city and date (e.g., KUALA LUMPUR, 8 April 2025).

4. Lead Paragraph – Answers the 5Ws: Who, What, When, Where, Why.

5. Body Paragraphs – Detailed explanation, quotes, statistics, or background.

6. Boilerplate – Short paragraph about the organization or company.

7. Media Contact – Name, phone number, email address of the PR contact.

8. Language – English and/or Bahasa Malaysia are most commonly used.

9. Visual Elements – Logos, photos, infographics or video links (if applicable).

Popular Press Release Formats in Malaysia

Let’s look at some commonly used press release formats in the Malaysian context, depending on the industry, audience, and distribution method.

1. Standard News Format

Best for: Corporates, government bodies, NGOs
Style: Formal, fact-based, third-person writing
Use: New product launch, event announcement, business updates

Structure:

• Headline

• Dateline

• Lead Paragraph (5Ws)

• Body with details and quotes

• Boilerplate

• Media Contact

Example:
“MDEC Launches Digital Economy Blueprint to Boost Malaysia’s Tech Sector”

Traditional media like The Star, Bernama, or New Straits Times widely accept this format.

2. Feature-Style Format

Best for: Lifestyle brands, tourism, health & wellness, events
Style: Narrative-driven, human-interest tone, softer language
Use: Product experiences, travel reviews, community initiatives

Structure:

• Headline

• Emotional hook or anecdote

• Introduction of topic

• Interviews/Quotes/Case studies

• Boilerplate and CTA (Call-to-action)

Example:
“Empowering Orang Asli Women Through Batik: A CSR Journey by XYZ Foundation”

This format is often pitched to lifestyle media like SAYS, The Vibes, Rojak Daily, or The Edge Lifestyle.

3. Announcement Format

Best for: Quick alerts or updates, legal declarations, corporate statements
Style: Brief, direct, often one page
Use: Leadership changes, regulatory announcements, IPO updates, recalls

Structure:

• Headline

• One-paragraph summary

• Brief context/background

• One quote (optional)

• Contact info

Example:
“Company ABC Appoints Tan Sri Lim as New Board Chairman”

This format is used in Bursa Malaysia disclosures or legal notifications published via Bernama or The Edge Markets.

4. Multilingual Format

Best for: National events, public health campaigns, political messaging
Style: Identical content replicated in different languages
Use: Government releases, education campaigns, CSR, NGOs

Structure:

• English version first

• Bahasa Malaysia version follows

• Mandarin or Tamil versions (optional)

• Boilerplate in each language

• Contact details bilingual

Example:
“Kempen Kesihatan Awam | National Public Health Campaign”

This format is widely used by ministries, local councils, and UNICEF Malaysia to reach multiple demographics effectively.

5. Visual Format (Infographic or Multimedia Press Release)

Best for: Digital campaigns, tech products, e-commerce, youth engagement
Style: Visual-first, embedded links, charts, social media friendly
Use: App launches, campaign metrics, annual reports, tech stats

Structure:

• Visual Header with logo

• Short introductory paragraph

• Embedded video or infographic

• Highlighted data points

• CTA link

• Contact info

Example:
“Shopee 11.11 Breaks Record: RM1.2 Billion GMV in 24 Hours [Infographic]”

This format is preferred for distribution via social media, blogs, digital PR platforms, and media kits.

Local Considerations for Formatting

1. Language Sensitivity: Use neutral and culturally respectful terms, especially for political or religious content.

2. Proofread Translations: Always use professional translators for Bahasa Malaysia or Mandarin versions to avoid misinterpretations.

3. Adapt to Platform: Some portals may reformat your content to fit their CMS (Content Management System).

4. Tone Matching: Corporate news must be formal; CSR or NGO campaigns can be emotive or story-driven.

5. Length Limits: Most press releases in Malaysia are 400–600 words. Online portals may limit paid content to under 800 words.

Conclusion

Press release formatting is not just a technical step—it’s a strategic decision that affects media pickup, reader engagement, and overall impact. In Malaysia, where the audience is culturally and linguistically diverse, choosing the right format—be it standard news, feature-style, or multimedia—can make the difference between being read and being ignored.

Always align your press release with the intended audience, distribution platform, and media tone. And if in doubt, professional PR consultants and media agencies in Malaysia can help format and pitch your release for optimal exposure.

FAQs on Press Release Formats in Malaysia

1. What is the most commonly used press release format in Malaysia?
The most popular format is the Standard News Format, especially for corporate and government announcements. It follows a formal structure and is widely accepted by mainstream media.

2. Can I issue a bilingual press release in Malaysia?
Yes, and it’s encouraged. Issuing bilingual (English and Bahasa Malaysia) press releases helps reach broader audiences, including media outlets and readers in both language groups.

3. Are multimedia press releases effective in Malaysia?
Absolutely. Especially for tech, e-commerce, or lifestyle brands, using visuals or video increases engagement, particularly on digital and social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and SAYS.

4. Do media outlets in Malaysia prefer short or long press releases?
Press releases should be concise. The ideal length is between 400 to 600 words. For online media, you can extend up to 800 words if you include visuals or additional context.

5. Should I use Malaysian spelling or British English in my press release?
Yes, use British English, as it is the standard in Malaysia. Ensure proper translation using formal Malay (not colloquial) for Bahasa Malaysia content.