TV3 is the first ever, most popular, and private channel that started its broadcast in Malaysia. The channel was launched in 1984 with the latest features of video available at the time. TV3 remains the most famous Malaysian channel internationally. It is popular among the Indonesian and Singaporean audiences, especially. The company that launched TV3 was based in the capital of Malaysia and continues working from there to this day.
Most local and international audiences are attracted to the Dramas and reality shows aired on TV3. But this channel is a complete entertainment and information package with a segment for news, sports, and kids’ programming.
TV3 is a terrestrial channel, but to stream it for free across the globe, fans use TV Malaysia One, which provides high-quality video and never never-ending broadcast!
Purpose Of Creation on TV3
Launch Date
As mentioned already, TV3 was the first ever private channel started in Malaysia. It started its first official telecast in June 1984. Originally, it was only available in the Klang Valley of Malaysia, but later its transmission was expanded to the entire country.
This channel was named Sistem Televisyen Malaysia Berhad when it first started, but later it was changed to TV3 for the ease of its audience.
TV3 was a project of Media Prima Berhad, which became the largest private media company in Malaysia in later years.
It is still being run by the same media company with high-quality entertainment as its first priority.
Why was TV3 Created?
The 80s were still the early era of entertainment in Malaysia. Before TV3 was started, only government-owned channels were available to the majority of television viewers.
The start of TV3 marked a new era for television viewers in the nation. The channel was created to serve numerous purposesnsuch as
- To break the monopoly of the government channels in the nation.
- To provide a wider range of programs to the audience.
- The channel was supported through advertising, introducing the concept of commercials in Malaysia.
What Makes TV3 Unique?
Several features of TV3 make it the most watched channel in Malaysia and abroad. Let’s discuss a few of the main reasons why TV3 is loved by the audience.
First Private Channel
TV3 holds a major advantage for being the first ever private channel to start broadcasting in the region. The running company grabbed the opportunity before anyone else could and did justice to the title with its quality content.
Impartial News Reporting
Before TV3, Malaysians relied on news provided by the government-owned channels, hence the news was heavily influenced. TV3 was the first channel to provide unbiased news to the viewers.
Buletin Utama is the flagship news program on TV3. Daily, millions of individuals watch the news on the channel, increasing the viewership exponentially.
Local and International Soaps
The main reason for TV3’s popularity is the high-class shows, series, and dramas aired on TV3. The channel telecasts both local predictions from Malaysia and popular international dramas with Malay subtitles.
The dramas currently ongoing on TV3 in 2025 are
- Racun Rihanna
- Wanita Syurga
- My Lovely Driver
- Khilaf Yang Tertulis
- Iskandar Chempaka
Strong Cultural Values
All programs on TV3 are morally and ethically suitable for an Islamic state audience. The channel exhibits strong family values, increasing the trust of its viewers.
The channel has programs designed for all members and age groups in a family. Watching it together has been known to increase family bonding.
Cross-Platform Integration
Prime Media Berhad is a well-established company. Therefore, the channel has a strong cross-platform representation through paper, radio, and social media.
Availability Of TV3
The target audience of this channel mostly resides in Malaysia. All content on the channel is in the Malay language. This free-to-air, private satellite channel was designed for the Malay-speaking community.
Although TV3 has the highest visibility in Malaysia but it has gained many other countries with Malay communities such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand.
The satellite companies responsible for broadcasting TV3 in Malaysia are not available in other countries. Therefore, the viewers of other ASEAN countries view the channel through other sources.
How To Access TV3?
Some of the digital sources to stream TV3 outside of Malaysia are
- Tonton: A widely known free website for Live Malaysian channel streaming.
- YouTube: TV3 has an official YouTube channel that does not provide a live telecast but has many ongoing shows from TV3.
- TV Malaysia One: Free international platform with a large collection of Malay channels, including TV3.
Popularity of TV3 In Malaysia
According to various studies, TV3 remains the most watched terrestrial channel in Malaysia as of 2025.
It retains 27% of total viewership. The flagship news program on TV3 has 5 million daily views. The official YouTube channel has 5.6 million subscribers. These stats reflect the popularity of the channel quite accurately.
Conclusion
For international users who can not avail of TV3 services in Malaysia can now access it through TV Malaysia One. The high definition video and short buffering time increase the quality of entertainment viewing for any live channel.
Stream TV3 and don’t forget to share with a friend!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main reason for TV3’s popularity?
Local and international dramas are the reason TV3 is the most-watched channel in Malaysia.
Are there subtitles on TV3?
The channel provides Malay subtitles for any international shows ongoing on TV3.
Can I access TV3 from Indonesia?
Yes, through TV Malaysian One, you can now stream this channel from anywhere in the world.