Jalani visiting the food stalls prepared by RTM staff in conjunction with ‘Majlis Berambeh Syawal with RTM Kuching’ yesterday. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: The Ministry of Communication and Multimedia is currently working towards the digitalisation of Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) by 2018.
In connection with this, his ministry was currently running a trial phase in several states starting with the east coast, said Deputy Minister of Communication and Multimedia Datuk Jalani Johari.
“We are now embarking on trial runs in Sabah and Sarawak and after that, we will go into Klang Valley. Part of our plan is to have 80 channels with the digitalisation but this is in a trial phase and if it is successful, we will release our statement,” he told a press conference after attending the ‘Majlis Berambeh Syawal with RTM Kuching’ at RTM Kuching office here yesterday.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications) Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman and RTM Sarawak broadcasting director Salmah Ibrahim Melina.
MYTV Broadcasting Sdn Bhd had been appointed to carry out the trial runs in the East Coast as well as Sabah and Sarawak.
“With this digitalisation, the television coverage will improve and it is hoped that the migration process will successfully run on the proposed fixed date,” said Jalani.
Meanwhile, he also announced an allocation of RM46 million specifically to RTM Sarawak under the 11th Malaysia Plan to improve the services in the state.
“The things to be improved include digital preparation, van preparation and new facilities. These facilities would enable RTM staff in Sarawak to enhance their service when carrying out their duties in the state,” he said, adding that this was one of the largest allocations approved especially for RTM Sarawak due to their commitment.