SINGAPORE BROADCASTING CORPORATION (Malay programmes in prime-time slots)

Mr Umar Abdul Hamid asked the Minister for Information and the Arts whether the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation will consider having more Malay programmes in prime-time slots since there are no Malay programmes on SBC after 8.00 pm except on Mondays.

Dr Ker Sin Tze (for the Minister for Information and the Arts): Sir, SBC has to educate, inform and entertain all sectors of our society with a limited amount of airtime. It is not possible to have more Malay programmes on prime-time slots on Channel 5 because the demand for English programmes must also be met. SBC has to balance the needs of the Malay-speaking and English-speaking communities, and also take into account competing broadcasts from Malaysia.

To alleviate the congestion on Channel 5, SBC will restructure Channel 5 and Channel 12 from 1st January next year. All Malay programmes will be telecast through Channel 12. It will then be possible to increase Malay programming hours per week from 9 to 15 hours. We will also be able to show SBC Malay productions like Tinjauan, Hiburan Minggu Ini, Sandiwara and Potret Keluarga on prime-time. The daily Malay News at 7.30 pm will be increased from 20 to 30 minutes.

Channel 12 will continue to broadcast documentaries, arts and sports in English. Channel 5 will become an all-English channel. Channel 8 will stay the same.

SBC will announce the details in a few days' time.

Mr Umar Abdul Hamid (Ang Mo Kio GRC): Sir, I was made to understand by SBC that the number of viewers and revenues collected by Channel 12 are relatively smaller vis-a-vis Channel 5. My concern is: if Malay programmes are transferred to Channel 12, will the quality of Malay programmes be affected? If it is, what are the steps taken by SBC to ensure the quality of Malay programmes?

Dr Ker Sin Tze: No, I do not think the quality of the Malay programmes will be affected. It will give more time to Malay programmes and it will also be able to give prime-time slots to Malay programmes on Channel 12. So it is better off for Malay viewers.

Mr Umar Abdul Hamid: Sir, I think the Minister has not answered my question. What are the steps taken by SBC to ensure that the quality of Malay programmes, particularly Sandiwara, is maintained? If it is not equal to the Malaysian programme, at least, it is equal to some of the Chinese drama that has been put up on Channel 8.

Dr Ker Sin Tze: I am sorry. Is the question relevant?

The Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr Wong Kan Seng): May I answer the question as Acting Minister for Information and the Arts?

As far as the viewer is concerned, it makes no difference, because it is the same programme. The only difference is that he presses a different button. That is all.

Mr Low Thia Khiang: Sir, the Minister mentioned about the restructuring of SBC Channel 12 programmes. I would like to know whether Chinese opera programmes will continue to be aired through that Channel or will it be cut down.

Dr Ker Sin Tze: The arts programme on Channel 12 will be maintained. Some light English entertainment programmes may move to Channel 5. As much as possible, the arts and information programmes on Channel 12 will not be affected.