Malaysia’s television industry offers diverse options, from free-to-air channels to premium pay TV services and international networks. These TV stations in Malaysia cover everything from local news, entertainment, sports, and specialty content.
With the rise of digital streaming, watching Malaysian TV is now easier than ever, even if you’re abroad. In this guide, we’ll outline the main Malaysian TV stations and provide a step-by-step VPN tutorial so you can access your beloved shows from anywhere.
How To Watch Malaysian TV Online in Just 3 Steps
Many people might think they can access TV across the border through incognito mode, but it’s actually not. VPN and incognito mode are totally different. While incognito mode can only affect your device’s history locally, a VPN can help users encrypt online activity globally and even more.
Thanks to VPN technology, watching Malaysian TV from abroad has never been easier. Here are easy-to-follow instructions to help you get started:
- Step 1: Pick a reliable VPN service: select a VPN service with servers located in Malaysia. A quality VPN, such as TurisVPN, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or others with similar credentials, allows seamless streaming of Malaysian channels without buffering.
| Note: I suggest you pick a VPN with unlimited bandwidth and high-speed connections to prevent streaming interruptions. |
- Step 2: Install and log into the VPN app: download the selected VPN app for your device, following the provider’s guidelines.
After installation, launch the application and enter your login information. Usually, the interface will display a selection of server locations for you to select from.
- Step 3: Connect to a Malaysian server and start streaming: Find and pick a Malaysian server (the closest one to you will be best).
The remainder will be handled by the VPN, from hiding your IP address to making it look as though you are browsing from Malaysia. Once connected, you may view Malaysian channels without geographical limitations.
List of TV Stations In Malaysia [2024 Updated]
Let’s move to the next part! If you are still wondering what TV stations in Malaysia you should follow, then here are some best TV Malaysia you can refer to at any time.
Free-to-Air Channels
While these channels are accessible to a wide audience, they often rely on repetitive content and heavy commercial breaks. Some most recommended free-to-air stations in Malaysia are TV1 (RTM), TV2, TV3, 8TV, and TV AlHijrah.
| Categories | Stations | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Free-to-air channels | TV1 (RTM) | National news and educational programs; high credibility. | Limited entertainment content, occasional limited budget. |
| TV2 | Focuses on entertainment, drama series, and variety shows. | Can be repetitive, with a focus on older programming. | |
| TV3 | Highly popular with diverse content (dramas, news, talk shows). | Can be highly commercialized with frequent ads. | |
| 8TV | Targets the Chinese-speaking audience with dramas, variety shows, and movies. | Limited reach in rural areas; fewer programs for non-Chinese viewers. | |
| TV AlHijrah | Islamic-focused content with educational programming for Muslim audiences. | Limited appeal outside Muslim viewers, smaller variety of content. |
Pay TV Channels
The leading pay-TV provider in Malaysia is Astro, which offers various channel packages catering to different interests. Other providers, such as Unifi TV, also provide a refreshing selection.
If you are a fan of TV3, you can refer to TonTon, which is also mentioned below. Let’s take a quick look at these fascinating channels!
| Categories | Stations | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Pay TV Channels | Unifi TV | Affordable bundled options with internet packages; multilingual content. | Requires internet for IPTV service; less channel variety than Astro. |
| Astro Ria | Broadcasts Malay-language dramas, variety shows, and reality TV. | Some content may be overly sensationalized or repetitive. | |
| Astro Awani | Offers 24-hour news coverage, both local and international. | Can be overwhelming with constant news updates. | |
| Astro Prima | Focuses on family-friendly content, including dramas, movies, and children’s programs. | Can be too family-oriented for some viewers. | |
| Tonton | Offers streaming access to Media Prima and many other on-demand channels; free subscription options are available. | Limited to Media Prima’s catalog; may have regional restrictions outside Malaysia. |
Otherwise, you just need to find TV3 online streaming blogspot on Google, and you may find a free option to watch this channel online. However, the web interface is quite simple and not convenient enough.
International and Specialty Channels
International and Specialty Channels in Malaysia offer various high-quality content, from science and history to nature and entertainment. These channels or TV stations in Malaysia provide access to global programming, catering to specific interests.
| Categories | Stations | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| International and Specialty Channels | BBC World News | Reputable global news with a British perspective, trusted by international viewers. | Less focus on Malaysian news; requires a subscription for non-free access. |
| Discovery Channel | Features documentaries on science, history, and technology. | Some programs can be too technical or academic for casual viewers. | |
| HBO | Broadcasts premium movies and TV series. | Can be expensive to subscribe to. | |
| Al Jazeera English | In-depth reporting on global affairs; offers a non-Western news perspective. | Often controversial, can be blocked or limited in certain regions. |
TV Channels & Networks That Have Gone Off-Air in Malaysia
For more information about television in Malaysia, here are some TV channels and networks already closed in this country:
- MetroVision
- Channel 9
- TV Pendidikan
- Disney Channel vs Disney XD
- Astro Zhi Zun HD
Scroll down now to see more details:
| TV stations | Advantages | Reason For Closure |
| MetroVision | Targeted urban, dual-income households with English-language content. Innovative, introduced interactive TV in Malaysia. | Financial struggles due to the Asian financial crisis and competition. Closed in 1999 and revived as 8TV later. (2) |
| Channel 9 | One of Astro’s first high-definition channels, focusing on Chinese-language movies and dramas. | Financial constraints and a lack of advertising revenue caused it to close in 2005 and returned as TV9 under Media Prima in 2006.(3) |
| TV Pendidikan | The educational channel operated by the Ministry of Education, is tailored for students and teachers. | Ceased in 2008 due to changes in educational content delivery, replaced by digital platforms, for example, EDUWEBTV. (4) |
| Disney Channel vs Disney XD | Popular among families and children with various content, for instance, action-oriented kids’ shows. | Overly focused on to shift toward streaming services, especially Disney+ Hotstar, which centralized its content on a single platform, leading to the closure of these TV channels. |
| Astro Zhi Zun HD | One of Astro’s first high-definition channels, focusing on Chinese-language movies and dramas. | Phased out due to restructuring of Astro’s HD content; content consolidated on other channels. (5) |
How to Use TurisVPN to Watch Malaysian TV from Anywhere
TurisVPN is one of the most popular VPN servers in Malaysia. Besides helping you access geo-restricted content, protect your privacy, and bypass censorship, this VPN is also renowned for its extensive server network, strong encryption, fast speeds, and user-friendly.
To employ TurisVPN, here are the most straightforward steps for you to follow:
- Step 1: Download and install TurisVPN from the official website or on AppStore and Google Play.
- Step 2: Launch the app and log in or sign up.
- Step 3: Connect to a Malaysian server.
- Step 4: Access Malaysian TV channels (e.g., RTM, TV3, Astro).
- Step 5: Adjust settings for better streaming if needed.
- Step 6: Disconnect after use.
Bottom Line
Overall, using TurisVPN or other VPN applications provides a reliable and fast way to watch Malaysian TV without lag or interruptions. With our detailed VPN-used guidelines, you can now fully enjoy a rich mix of local, international, and specialty content from TV stations in Malaysia.
Do you have any other concerns about this topic? Feel free to leave your comments below, and we will respond as soon as possible.
FAQs
Q1. How many TV channels are there in Malaysia?
As of 2024, Malaysia offers approximately 175 channels, including 16 free-to-air and 160 pay TV channels, catering to a wide range of interests.
Q2. How can I watch Malaysian TV in Singapore?
VPN is legal in Singapore, even though there are some restrictions, so you can obviously use VPN to watch Malaysian TV in this country. However, it would be best to use TurisVPN since this app is a top-tier option.
Q3. What is the first TV station in Malaysia?
The first TV station in Malaysia was TV1, launched as Televisyen Malaysia on December 28, 1963. Over the years, this channel has held historical significance as Malaysia’s pioneering television channel.
It set the foundation for the country’s broadcasting industry, pushed the development of television in Malaysia, and helped shape national media through news, cultural programming, and public information services.
