TV Instead of YouTube and Netflix... How COVID-19 Changed Malaysia
YouTube News Viewing Increases by 80%
Netflix Usage Also Up by 195%
[Asia Economy Kuala Lumpur Hong Seong-a, Guest Reporter] Due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the usage of YouTube and Netflix in Malaysia has significantly increased. Watching news through YouTube stood out more than on TV.
According to local media such as Berita Harian on the 14th, from March 18 to 31, when the first movement control order was implemented, news viewing through YouTube increased by 80% compared to the same period last year. Among Media Prima, a Malaysian media group’s YouTube news channels, TV3’s viewership increased by 262.3%. Media Prima is currently the largest media company owning New Straits Times, TV channels (TV3, 8TV, NTV7, TV9), and radio channels (Fly FM, Hot FM, one FM, Kool FM). In particular, the video of the Malaysian Prime Minister’s announcement on extending the movement control order on the 10th attracted high attention, recording 110,000 views on the Buletin TV3 channel alone.
The Malaysia Digital Association (MDA) announced that online streaming service (OTT) usage also greatly increased during the movement control period. According to the internet exchange (MyIX), internet traffic reached a peak of 523GB after the movement control order, surpassing last year’s highest internet traffic level of 500GB. The services with the largest increase in usage were Tonton and Netflix. Tonton is Media Prima’s streaming service. As of the third week of last month (March 15 to March 21), usage increased by 232% compared to January. Netflix usage also rose by 195%.
In response to the increased usage by Malaysian consumers, Netflix announced that it would reduce video quality for 30 days starting from the 31st of last month.
Hot Picks Today
"Only Two Per Person" Garbage Bag Crisis Was Just Yesterday... Japan Also Faces Shortage Anxiety
- "Samsung Electronics Employee with 100 Million Won Salary Receiving 600 Million Won Bonus... Estimated Tax Revealed"
- Lived as Family for Over 30 Years... Daughter-in-Law Cast Aside After Husband's Death
- 'Will Demand Finally Decline Due to High Prices?'... "I'll Just Enjoy Nearby Trips" as Japan and China See a Surge
- "Wore It Once, Then This? White Spots All Over 4.15 Million Won Prada Jacket... 'Full Refund Ordered'"
The increase in streaming service usage in Malaysia is largely due to people staying indoors to prevent the spread of the epidemic. Additionally, with a smartphone ownership rate of 88% among the 32 million population, this has also driven service usage. Overall, 78% of the population streams or downloads media content.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
