BINTULU: Malaysians will be able to enjoy more free channels on myFreeview digital television (TV) soon, said MyTV Broadcasting senior vice president Aliza Sulaiman.
“From time to time, we will work with local broadcasters in the country to add more channels to the existing 14 channels and six radio channels on myFreeview.
“This is for them to enjoy the free digital TV channels without any monthly subscription fees.”
On March 1 and 2, 3,000 myFreeview digital TV decoders were distributed at Times Square Mall.
Aliza hoped those who had received the decoders would be able to enjoy the good quality digital channels from myFreeview.
“Bintulu residents who need help to install the decoders can visit www.mytvbroadcasting.com.my for the installation procedures.
“For the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) transmission, a Ultra High Frequency (UHF) aerial antenna has to be installed outdoors facing Bukit Nyabau (the transmission centre).
“Those in protected locations need to use parabolic antennas for transmission to have access to the digital channels.
“There are certain techniques of installing the decorders. The public can either contact the registered installers to go to their houses to install them (the antennas or the decoders) or do it themselves,” she told reporters.
Aliza added that her team’s next stop would be Sibu on March 7 and 8. There are 3,000 units allocated for distribution there.
Those who have not yet applied for the free decoder can go to the website to check their qualification.
The distribution of free decoders is targeted at the B40 group, the disabled and the elderly. For the elderly, they can have a representative to redeem the decoder on their behalf; the representative must bring their identification number to the redemption counter.
MyTV Broadcasting also provides shipping service for the decoders.
Aliza explained that the issue in Sarawak was the people’s addresses.
“It is hoped that they can give the correct addresses to ensure that the decoders reach the hands of the right people,” she said.
On Monday, a 60-year-old was not able to redeem the free decoder because the qualification system stated that the person was not qualifed.
“The data of people that they (MyTV) received was from MCMC, which was previously retrieved from LHDN,” explained Aliza.
“So what we have in our hands is uploaded into our database because it will be easier to manage. There are complaints from the B40 groups on such matter and this matter is out of our jurisdiction.”
Last year on Oct 31, East Malaysia officially switched from analogue TV broadcast to digital TV.
In line with the Malaysian Shared Prosperity Vision (SPV) 2030, MyTV and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) are taking the initiative to distribute free decoders to people in the B40 category and also disabled people in Sarawak and Sabah.
