This study examined media framing of the Hartal Doktor Kontrak (HDK) movement in Malaysia, a nationwide strike by contract doctors in July 2021. Quantitative content analysis of 109 news articles from two major Malaysian newspapers (The Star and Berita Harian) from June 1, 2021, to February 28, 2022, was conducted using Semetko & Valkenburg's five-dimension media frame. The responsibility frame dominated (76.2%), emphasizing government solutions. Human interest and conflict frames were also prominent. While more articles were published post-strike, pre-strike framing significantly influenced subsequent events, setting an agenda for policy changes to prevent future strikes.

Norehan Jinah, Kun Yun Lee, Nor Haniza Zakaria, Nursyahda Zakaria, Munirah Ismail