Malaysia's communications regulator has rejected assertions that the country must eliminate an 80 percent domestic content requirement for broadcasters under a United States trade deal. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said on Sunday that accusations from a former editor-in-chief were inaccurate and do not represent how broadcasting permits actually work in the nation.
The commission explained that licenses issued to private broadcasters under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 carry no such quota for homegrown programming. Stations holding Content Applications Service Provider Individual permits may choose their own material while following commission guidelines and content standards, the regulator said.
The commission added that current permits allow international programming during peak viewing hours, with scheduling choices resting with individual broadcasters based on audience preferences and regulatory compliance. Authorities are crafting a National Broadcasting Policy designed to support a viable broadcasting sector, boost high-quality domestic production and ensure fair governance spanning public, private and international platforms, the regulator noted.
The commission explained that licenses issued to private broadcasters under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 carry no such quota for homegrown programming. Stations holding Content Applications Service Provider Individual permits may choose their own material while following commission guidelines and content standards, the regulator said.
The commission added that current permits allow international programming during peak viewing hours, with scheduling choices resting with individual broadcasters based on audience preferences and regulatory compliance. Authorities are crafting a National Broadcasting Policy designed to support a viable broadcasting sector, boost high-quality domestic production and ensure fair governance spanning public, private and international platforms, the regulator noted.
