KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 26): Media Chinese International Ltd (KL:MEDIAC), which publishes the Sin Chew Daily and Nanyang Siang Pau newspapers in Malaysia, saw its net loss more than double in the first quarter as demand for newspapers and advertising continued to decline, coupled with an increase in operating costs.

Net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2026 (1QFY2027), widened to RM15.92 million from RM7.18 million in the same quarter a year earlier, said the group in a bourse filing on Wednesday.

The latest quarter marked its 14th straight quarter in the red.

Revenue dropped 7.5% year-on-year to RM161.73 million from RM174.78 million as the continued decline in demand for printed newspapers adversely impacted its traditional media operations. Its travel segment also saw a decline in revenue.

The operating environment is expected to remain challenging, Media Chinese said, amid global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions.

“Rising oil prices have increased transportation and logistics costs while higher paper and raw material prices continue to affect the media business. The travel segment has also faced higher airfare and operating costs,” it said.

This is on top of the structural challenges the traditional media industry faces, the group added, with readers increasingly shifting from print to digital platforms, making the long-term decline in newspaper circulation an undeniable industry trend.

“In response, the group will continue to implement cost control measures, enhance operational efficiency, explore the use of artificial intelligence to improve productivity and leverage its strong media brands to organise more conferences, exhibitions, awards and other events to diversify its revenue streams,” it said.

Shares of Media Chinese ended unchanged at eight sen, valuing the group at RM299.98 million.