Ipoh is aiming to create its own digital television streaming platform, Ipoh Echo reports. As announced by the city‘s mayor, Datuk Rumaizi Baharin, this project is a collaboration between the Ipoh City Council (MBI) and a company headed by local filmmaker Datuk Afdlin Shauki.
“We aim to boost this creative industry in Ipoh as a new economic revenue source; in my view, I want to create something like Netflix,” Rumaizi said. “It will be a digital TV format because this is the future for the industry, and we are partnering with Afdlin Shauki’s company.”
The decision to develop this streaming application stems from Ipoh’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Music (UCCN). The mayor added that this initiative not only aims to harness the potential of the digital industry, but also aligns with Ipoh’s aspirations to emulate creative hubs like Bollywood.
Rumaizi detailed that there will be seven sections within the service’s app, including one dedicated to merchandise sales. In line with existing streaming services, the pricing model for the Ipoh digital TV app will likely vary based on the type of content consumed. While traditional platforms like Astro often employ monthly subscription fees, the proposed model may offer more flexibility, such as pay-per-view options, he added.
However, discussions regarding pricing and content selection are still ongoing, with the mayor acknowledging the need for further refinement before the launch. On that note, there’s no word on when Ipoh will debut its very own streaming service just yet.
