
MiTV which was launched by the Malaysian Prime Minister on 5 September 2005 can rightly claim to satisfy everyone since it also has Chinese programmes in not only Mandarin and Cantonese but also in Hokkien and Hakka. The Hokkien programmes are mainly sourced from Taiwanese TV networks and Fujian TV in China whereas the Hakka programmes are from Hakka TV in Taiwan. For more info on MiTV, log on to <www.mitv.com.my/portal/orient.asp>
The main setback is the higher initial outlay i.e. paying the retail price of RM1,188 for the Interactive Multimedia Terminal (IMT) Set Top Box and a basic monthly subscription fee of RM68 to receive the MiTV programmes compared to only RM199 for a decoder including a satellite dish and a monthly subscription fee of RM64.95 for a basic package to receive programmes from ASTRO, a satellite TV network based in Malaysia.
I am presently an ASTRO subscriber but has complained to ASTRO that since its inception, it has completely ignored the interests of Chinese Hokkien community in Malaysia by not having any Hokkien programmes. I have urged ASTRO to seriously consider the viability of having Hokkien programmes over its network as Hokkiens constitute the largest Chinese dialect group in South East Asia. ASTRO's WE CARE section said it would get back to me in 6 days but it didn't reply at all.

By the way, I have recently emailed ASTRO to enquire whether it is having plan to include Hokkien and even Hakka programmes in its network in view of the competition from MiTV. I have yet to get a reply.
If ASTRO continues to be insensitive to the majority of its Chinese subscribers particularly the Hokkiens, I hope many subscribers including me of course should seriously consider switching over to MiTV which can cater more to their interests.
I feel strongly that there should be more Hokkien TV programmes available over TV networks to keep alive the language. We have been overwhelmed by Hong Kong Cantonese programmes eventhough the Cantonese community in Malaysia is much smaller compared to the Hokkiens and even the Hakkas. The Hokkien community in Malaysia has long been deprived of its own language TV programmes not only over the private TV networks but also the government TV stations which are competing for the limited advertising cake. I have written a couple of times to the press to complain on this matter but they have all fallen on deaf ears. I hope more Hokkiens who love their language will assist to pursue on this matter.

Kam sia
Yeo