TVS (Malaysian TV channel)
TVS is a Malaysian linear digital television channel focused on news and programming from Sarawak.
Last updated August 25, 2026
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Overview
TVS, formerly associated with the name TV Sarawak, is a Malaysian linear digital television channel created to provide Sarawak-focused news and programming to audiences in Sarawak and elsewhere in Malaysia. The channel emerged from a long-running discussion about the need for a stronger regional broadcasting voice for Sarawak. State leaders had expressed concern that Kuala Lumpur-based national broadcasters did not always give sufficient attention to Sarawakian affairs, developments, communities, and perspectives. The idea of an independent Sarawak broadcaster was discussed under the Sarawak state government from around 2017. An earlier public-sector route had also been considered: Radio Televisyen Malaysia had operated a third network serving Sabah and Sarawak between 1975 and 1984, and later plans envisioned a Sarawak television service as part of Malaysia's television digitalisation programme. That proposal did not proceed in its original form and was superseded by the OKEY service. The Sarawak-focused broadcasting concept was subsequently pursued through a private-sector streaming and television initiative. A free-to-air licence was later approved, and the channel began an early broadcast on 10 October 2020, timed to coincide with the birthday of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak. Its official launch followed on the evening of 11 October 2020. TVS positioned itself as a platform for Sarawakian content while also serving the wider Malaysian audience. Its editorial and programming remit includes news, current affairs, cultural material, entertainment, and other productions connected with the state and its people. The channel also sought to contribute to the development of Sarawak's creative sector. On 15 October 2020, it became the main partner of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia, commonly known as FINAS, and undertook to finance works produced through that partnership. In 2023, TVS announced plans to work with regional television stations as part of a broader effort to expand Sarawak's creative industry and strengthen cooperation among broadcasters. At the end of 2023, TVS introduced a new visual identity whose colours were based on the Sarawak flag. At the same time, it proposed opening additional offices in three Sarawak locations and in Kuala Lumpur during the first quarter of 2024. Offices were subsequently opened in Miri in July 2024 and Subang Jaya in October 2024. These developments reflected an effort to extend the channel's reporting and production presence beyond its original base while maintaining its regional identity. TVS is therefore best understood as a regional Malaysian television brand rather than a general-purpose national network. Its differentiation rests on Sarawak-centred coverage, locally relevant programming, participation in the Malaysian digital television environment, and support for regional creative production. The available reference material does not identify a separate listed parent company, a named founder, or a current executive roster.
History
The concept of a dedicated Sarawak broadcaster developed from dissatisfaction with the level of Sarawak coverage provided by national broadcasters based in Kuala Lumpur. Discussions about an independent regional service took shape under the Sarawak state government from around 2017. The proposal also had a historical connection with earlier Malaysian regional broadcasting: Radio Televisyen Malaysia had operated Televisyen Malaysia Rangkaian Ketiga for Sabah and Sarawak from 1975 to 1984. A later government plan considered relaunching a Sarawak television station as part of Malaysia's digitalisation of television. That plan did not proceed as initially envisaged, as it was replaced by OKEY. The Sarawak television concept was then pursued through a private company and initially framed as a streaming-channel initiative. A free-to-air licence was eventually approved after an announcement by Sarawak's Minister for Local Government and Housing, Sim Kui Hian. TVS conducted an early broadcast on 10 October 2020 in conjunction with the birthday of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak. The station officially launched the following evening, 11 October 2020. Its service was designed to deliver news and other programming from Sarawak to viewers in the state and across Malaysia, giving regional issues and local creative work a dedicated platform. The channel expanded beyond broadcasting through its involvement in film and audiovisual production. On 15 October 2020, TVS became the main partner of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia, or FINAS, and undertook to finance work produced under the partnership. This connected the channel with Malaysia's wider film-development infrastructure and supported its role in the local production ecosystem. In 2023, TVS identified cooperation with other regional television stations as part of a strategy to expand Sarawak's creative industry. The initiative indicated that the channel viewed itself not only as a distributor of programmes but also as a participant in regional production and broadcaster collaboration. At the end of 2023, the channel refreshed its identity with a logo based on the colours of the Sarawak flag. It also proposed offices in three locations in Sarawak and in Kuala Lumpur during the first quarter of 2024. The expansion proceeded with an office in Miri in July 2024 and another in Subang Jaya in October 2024. These offices were intended to broaden TVS's operational and reporting footprint. The available reference material does not provide a detailed ownership structure, named founder, executive list, financial information, or a complete catalogue of programmes.
- 2024
Miri office opened
[1]TVS opened a regional office in Miri in July.
- 2024
Subang Jaya office opened
[1]TVS opened an office in Subang Jaya in October.
- 2023
Regional broadcaster cooperation planned
[1]TVS planned cooperation with regional television stations to help grow Sarawak's creative industry.
- 2023
New logo introduced
[1]The channel introduced a logo using colours associated with the Sarawak flag.
- 2020
Early broadcast begins
[1]TVS began an early broadcast on 10 October 2020.
- 2020
Official launch
[1]TVS officially launched on 11 October 2020 as a Sarawak-focused Malaysian television channel.
- 2020
FINAS partnership established
[1]TVS became the main partner of FINAS and agreed to finance associated productions.
- 2017
Plans for an independent Sarawak broadcaster discussed
[1]The Sarawak state government pursued discussions about a regional broadcaster intended to improve coverage of Sarawakian affairs.
Products and positioning
A Sarawak-centred Malaysian television channel that combines regional news, cultural coverage, entertainment, and creative-industry development with broader national distribution.
Linear digital television channel · 2020
TVS television channel
TVS is a Malaysian linear digital television service centred on Sarawak. It carries news and programming connected with Sarawak while making the service available to audiences beyond the state. Its role combines regional broadcasting, cultural representation, entertainment, and support for local audiovisual production.
Digital television and streaming · 2020
TVS digital and streaming presence
The TVS brand includes a digital distribution presence associated with its television service. The channel concept was initially advanced as a streaming service before the free-to-air licence was approved, allowing TVS to serve viewers through Malaysia's evolving digital television environment.
Brand decisions
2023
Cooperation with regional television stationsStrategyBackground
TVS identified regional collaboration as a way to strengthen Sarawak's creative industry.
Action taken
The channel planned cooperation with regional television stations.
Aftermath
The plan positioned TVS as a potential hub for collaboration among regional broadcasters, although specific outcomes are not detailed in the reference material.
2023
Brand refresh and office expansionStrategyBackground
TVS sought to reinforce its Sarawak identity and expand its physical presence.
Action taken
The channel introduced a Sarawak-flag-inspired logo and proposed offices in several Sarawak locations and Kuala Lumpur.
Aftermath
Offices were subsequently opened in Miri in July 2024 and Subang Jaya in October 2024.
2020
Launch of a Sarawak-focused television serviceProduct launchBackground
Sarawak had sought a dedicated regional broadcaster after concerns that national Kuala Lumpur-based broadcasters gave insufficient attention to state affairs.
Action taken
TVS began an early broadcast on 10 October and formally launched on 11 October 2020 after receiving approval for a free-to-air service.
Aftermath
The launch established TVS as a regional Malaysian channel serving Sarawak and wider Malaysian audiences.
2020
FINAS production partnershipStrategyBackground
TVS sought to participate in the development of Sarawak's and Malaysia's audiovisual production sector.
Action taken
The channel became FINAS's main partner and agreed to finance productions associated with the partnership.
Aftermath
The arrangement expanded TVS's role from broadcaster to participant in film and content financing.
Recent events
- 2024
TVS opens an office in Miri[1]
Other
TVS opened a regional office in Miri in July 2024 as part of its planned expansion within Sarawak.
- 2024
TVS opens an office in Subang Jaya[1]
Other
TVS opened an office in Subang Jaya in October 2024, extending its presence to the Kuala Lumpur metropolitan area.
- 2023
TVS plans cooperation with regional broadcasters[1]
Other
The channel planned cooperation with regional television stations to support the expansion of Sarawak's creative industry.
- 2023
TVS introduces a Sarawak-inspired logo[1]
Other
Ahead of New Year's Day 2024, TVS unveiled a new logo using colours associated with the Sarawak flag and outlined plans for additional offices.
- 2020
TVS begins early broadcast in Sarawak[1]
Product launch
The channel began an early broadcast on 10 October 2020 ahead of its formal launch, establishing a new Sarawak-focused television service.
- 2020
TVS formally launches as a Sarawak-focused channel[1]
Product launch
TVS officially launched on the night of 11 October 2020 after receiving approval for a free-to-air service.
- 2020
TVS becomes a FINAS production partner[1]
Other
TVS became the main partner of Malaysia's National Film Development Corporation and agreed to finance work produced through the partnership.
Sources2 sources
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