Digital television broadcasting test transmissions are now at the experimental stage utilising transmitting stations in several areas throughout the country, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

He said the ministry was committed in making the transition from analog to digital television in line with developments in world broadcasting trend which was demanding for more interactive programmes.

"When this digital TV is successfully implemented, two million sets of "top box" will be supplied free of charge to the low-income group to enable them to enjoy television broadcast better," he told reporters after visiting three polling districts in Gading, Kedaik and Keratong in conjunction with the Rompin
by-election, here today.

Commenting on Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), Ahmad Shabery said the national broadcasting station should broadcast more news on the rakyat (people) to ensure that their voices were heard.

In addition, RTM should create a news channels with 'breaking news' and 'real time' concept which was what the audience wanted especially with the advent of the digital era, he said.

"The 8pm prime-time concept is considered outdated and 'breaking news' is the new concept in the world of broadcasting and people want more 'live' coverage of news," he said.

He said RTM's workforce too should change their work culture by providing continuous news to the people.

However, he added, RTM had started with the new format of channel news since September last year over RTM1 known as 'BES 5-10'(Current Affairs).

Through the broadcast, RTM not only provided in-depth coverage of government policies and plans but also ongoing activities of the people throughout the country.

"In the past, 8pm was monopolised by news of the leaders, with BES 5-10 we have more time to broadcast the people's stories such as news on Felda development, the Dewan Rakyat, problems faced by fishermen and others," he said.