Rm500mil boost to widen RTM’S coverage

KOTA KINABALU: Pay TV station Astro has allocated Rm500mil to Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) as part of its corporate social responsibility to enable the governmentowned broadcaster to widen its coverage, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, said Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim.

He said Astro and RTM signed an MOU for a period of three years beginning this year.

“We thank Astro for the gesture. This will put an end to non-receipt of Astro and RTM broadcasts and other sources of broadcast disturbances,” he told reporters after attending the opening of the ministry’s new integrated complex in Jalan Lintas, Kepayan here yesterday.

The complex was opened by Sabah Yang di-pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin.

Dr Rais said that under the MOU, Astro would supply 1,800 decoder units to eligible recipients in Sabah and 2,000 in Sarawak.

He said his ministry, through RTM, would also be increasing programmes with content suited to the taste of target audiences in Sabah and Sarawak. — Bernama

Official opening: Juhar signing a plaque at the ministry’s new integrated complex in Kota Kinabalu yesterday. With him are Dr Rais and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman (left). — Bernama