KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysians prefer tuning in to Malay dramas over educational programmes during the 7pm-8pm slot, which is when Maghrib prayers are held.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said this is based on Radio Televisyen Malaysia’s (RTM) findings.
“The ministry regularly reviews the suitability of our programmes’ slot belting to meet viewers’ taste. RTM is aware about the belting for dramas from 7pm to 8pm, especially on TV1.
“RTM has tried various approaches to swap the content for this time slot, including airing ‘ilmiah’ (educational) programmes.
“However, based on the response, viewers prefer the existing programme arrangement,” he said in reply to Datuk Hasanuddin Mohd Yunus (PH-Hulu Langat), who wanted to know if TV stations will review the timing of dramas and other programmes currently set at 7pm.
Hasanuddin said it is disrespectful to broadcast these shows during Maghrib, as the majority of viewers are Muslim.
Saifuddin said to balance the needs of various viewer groups, RTM decided to air programmes with religious and spiritual elements from 6pm to 7pm, as these allow Muslims to “gain knowledge before preparing for prayers”.
He said it is ultimately up to viewers to decide the programmes they watch.
Satellite television provider Astro offers various types of content for customers to pick from and view at their time of choosing, he added.
“Viewers have full control over what they want to watch, and are encouraged to arrange their own time to fit their needs.
“As such, with the various platforms and services offered, the issue of the suitability of the content being broadcast and its scheduling during specific times is irrelevant.” – The Vibes, November 27, 2020
