RTM To Break Festive Tv Stereotypes With Musical Fashion Show This Raya

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- Unlike the usual television programmes aired during Syawal, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) is presenting a fashion showcase programme in the form of a musical this time.

Broadcasting Department director-general, Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman, said the programme ‘Citra Reka Busana’ will feature fashion designs inspired by Malaysia's heritage and culture, alongside stories and history about fabrics, clothing designs, fabric patterns, and costumes.

Involved directly as the scriptwriter for the programme, Suhaimi said that through this script, they aim to trace the evolution of fashion, from the pre-independence era worn by the local community to the present day, featuring works by local fashion designers.

"This fashion presentation is not just a runway show, but we are incorporating elements of the traditional Mak Yong performance, including performances by Pak Yong Rosnan, the Zapin Troupe, Inang Cina, Rebab music, and more," he told reporters today.

In an added twist, he said that the hosts of ‘Citra Reka Busana’ will also entertain viewers with recitations of poetry and gurindam, presenting these works in local dialects such as the East Coast and Northern dialects.

The two-hour programme will be aired at 9 pm on April 5 on TV2 and will also be available for viewing on RTMKlik.

When asked why the programme was scheduled for the festive season, Suhaimi said that they wanted to break away from the stereotypical content aired during festive periods.

"We feel that this is content worth exporting. If we (RTM) don’t start creating such content, what do we have? For example, if we look at Korea, they’ve moved forward because of their excellent content. So, why don't we begin with our own culture and the history of our fabrics?

“That’s why I wrote the script. To me, what’s important now is how we offer not just entertainment but also education, with a bit of uniqueness. That’s very important. That’s what sets us apart,” he added.

Meanwhile, Suhaimi said that RTM is intensifying efforts to produce multilingual content for international audiences, broadcast through RTMKlik, which currently has viewers from Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia.

“Our goal is not only to bring our content to audiences worldwide, but we also aim to sell our content and ensure there is consumption on international television stations,” he said when asked about the English-language cooking programme 'Feast of Champion', which will be aired on RTM Sports Channel during Ramadan.

‘Feast of Champion’, which integrates culinary arts with nutritional science, will feature local athletes, including race car driver Keifli Othman and swimmer Steve Khiew, sharing tips on their healthy diets.

-- BERNAMA