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SAFVA urges inclusion and transparency in Borneo.TV rollout

Chester Pang KOTA KINABALU (July 2): The launch of the digital streaming platform by IB Media Consultant Sdn Bhd on Tuesday has taken many in Sabah's creative community by surprise. While recognizing this initiative as a positive step toward expanding access to Sabah and Borneo-related content through digital platforms, its abrupt announcement however has left local content industry players feeling both excluded and disheartened, said Sabah Film and Visual Association (SAFVA) president Chester Pang. He said there was no prior engagement, consultation, or preliminary study with key industry stakeholders — those who have long worked toward a structured, transparent and inclusive creative ecosystem in Sabah. 'This lack of initial dialogue has created a perception that local creatives and industry players are being sidelined — as though their experience, insight, and contributions are not valued in the development of this important state-level initiative,' he said in an open letter to the Sabah Chief Minister. As this is not a political or election-related initiative, SAFVA respectfully seeks clarification on the following: What are the policies and procedures for local producers to participate in content ecosystem? What technical guidelines and content selection criteria will be used? What official channels will be established for communication between the platform operator and Sabah's creative industry stakeholders? SAFVA is a member of the Gabungan Persatuan Perfileman Malaysia (GAFEMA) and represents Sabah at the national level. It has actively collaborated with agencies such as FINAS, RTM and other stakeholders to ensure that Sabah remains part of Malaysia's digital creative advancement. 'We sincerely hope that going forward, initiatives like will actively involve Sabah's creative stakeholders — including producers, screenwriters and digital content creators — in shaping and curating content that reflects our unique identity and potential,' said Pang. He added SAFVA remains committed to supporting the digitalization of local content in alignment with the state's creative economic development aspirations. 'We are ready and willing to collaborate constructively in this effort.' Sabah has taken a bold step in the digital broadcasting landscape with the official launch of a new streaming platform dedicated to showcasing the state's voices, faces and cultural narratives to a global audience. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, who officiated the launch at Menara Kinabalu on Tuesday, described the initiative as more than just a media platform, but calling it a 'stage for Sabahans to shape the state's image through their own narrative.' Carrying the tagline 'Sabah in the Eyes of the World', aims to become a primary channel for authentic content from original documentaries and cultural showcases to the breathtaking landscapes of Sabah, delivered through a modern, flexible and global digital approach. Hajiji said the launch was timely as society increasingly shifts from traditional to on-demand digital media consumption, adding that offers local content creators a chance to reach beyond conventional boundaries.