Mongoose Publishing To Close Men’s & Women’s Health Magazines In Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur — South East Asian media firm Mongoose Publishing is set to close both Men’s Health and Women’s Health magazines in Malaysia, following an era of decline in magazine sales.

In a statement announcing the shock decision, the firm which also publishes Esquire Malaysia and ELLE Malaysia said it “would like to thank the dedicated and passionate team on both titles and the advertisers and sponsors who have supported the brands.”

Having acquired Men’s Health Malaysia from Blu Inc. publishing house in August 2013, Mongoose acquired Women’s Health the following year with ambitions to launch the global publication into a new market, as well as to “deliver its trademark strong, independent, world class editorial content to a fresh audience.”

At the time of the Women’s Health launch, Editor of the magazine Sueann Chong, explained: “Women’s Health Malaysia will resonate with women who love to live well and want more from life. It is the defining voice on women’s health and style, reflecting the readers’ confidence, aspirations and priorities. From fitness and wellbeing to beauty and style, Women’s Health Malaysia will be the complete package that inspires women to make positive changes to their lives.”

However, despite the hard work of everyone involved, with the magazine market continuing to lose its audience Mongoose has now been forced to cease publication of both titles.  

According to Mumbrella Asia, Mongoose is in the process of redistributing any members of staff who are currently working on either title. There has been no official word on whether a different publishing house will take over the Men’s and Women’s Health licences.