Entertainment

Australian reality show set to film in Malaysia delayed because of asbestos concerns

Million Dollar Island has 100 contestants on a remote island compete to win A$1 mil in prize money

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 12 Oct 2022 4:00PM

Australian reality show set to film in Malaysia delayed because of asbestos concerns
Million Dollar Island is a social experiment in which 100 people try to stay on a remote island and fight for a chance to win AUD $1 million. Picture used for representational purposes. – Wikipedia pic, October 12, 2022

REALITY show Million Dollar Island, set to film on an island in Malaysia, has been put on hold after a report about the spread of asbestos on the show’s set. The contestants had yet to fly out to Malaysia. 

The production company behind the show is now searching for a new location to film the show, according to anonymous sources familiar with the situation. 

“The production is definitely proceeding,” a spokesperson said. “There is simply a delay in pre-production due to the issue you mentioned. This does not change our transmission date plans.”

Million Dollar Island is a social experiment in which 100 people try to stay on a remote island and fight for a chance to win A$1 million (RM2.9 million) in prize money.

Each contestant starts with a bracelet worth AUD $10,000. While on the island, contestants can gain and lose bracelets by competing in various contests. The aim is to collect all the other bracelets and win the prize.

The show was originally announced back in February, with a further confirmation in June that production was moving forward, despite the US version of the program being cancelled before going into production. 

Delays in production are not rare but moving to a different set this late in the process will have an impact on cost. Asbestos is also quite the uncommon pre-production issue.Sources, who requested anonymity, said the show costs more than AUD $700,000 per episode. It is still expected to premiere in 2023. 

The concept was conceived by John de Mol, the Dutch media tycoon behind Big Brother and The Voice formats. The first version of the show launched in the Netherlands in March. – The Vibes, October 12, 2022

Related News

Malaysia / 2mth

Malaysia, Australia back Pope Leo's call for peace, urge dialogue to end global conflicts

Education / 5mth

Legal board withdraws recognition of law degrees from 2 Australian, NZ universities

World / 9mth

Australian authorities block 10 containers of illegal tyre waste export to Malaysia

World / 1y

Australia PM Albanese makes stunning comeback with landslide win

Malaysia / 1y

Muhyiddin allowed temporary release of passport to visit sick sister-in-law in Australia

Malaysia / 2y

Farewell Aunty Bersih, you will be missed

Spotlight

Opinion

When bullying turns violent, Malaysia must confront what is happening inside schools

By The Vibes Says

Malaysia

Malaysia-Thailand open historic border crossing to deepen trade, regional integration

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Gerak Khas drama actress, Tisha Samsir denies drug involvement

Malaysia

Student stabbing: Teenage girl sent to Hospital Bahagia for psychiatric evaluation

Malaysia

Anwar wishes Tun M a happy 101st birthday

World

Israel shares intelligence with US over alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Trump

Malaysia

EPF members withdraw RM19.87 billion from Flexible Account as of May 31

Malaysia

Melaka: Student who was allegedly bullied chases schoolmate with box cutter

World

Fresh US-Iran strikes deepen Middle East crisis as ceasefire crumbles

You may be interested

Music

Welsh music icon Bonnie Tyler leaves behind a legacy defined by ‘Total Eclipse of The Heart’