Latest news with #TaiKamLeong
Free Malaysia Today
07-08-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Johor homestay operator settles RM70,000 piracy case with Astro
Astro's chief sales and marketing officer Tai Kam Leong said the case highlighted the spread of content piracy. (File pic) PETALING JAYA : A Johor-based homestay operator has reached a RM70,000 settlement with Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd over the illegal streaming of the broadcaster's content. In a statement, Astro said this was the first time its subsidiary Measat Broadcast Systems Sdn Bhd had resolved a piracy case involving a short-term rental business. Astro's chief sales and marketing officer Tai Kam Leong said the case highlighted the spread of content piracy. 'Whether it's a hotel, café or short-term rental, those in the hospitality sector must understand using TV boxes to stream content without a commercial licence is unlawful and undermines the creative economy,' he said. In November 2022, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that broadcasting content from unauthorised sources for commercial use without the proper licence was illegal. The homestay operator, registered as The Cactus X Empire, was found to have used unauthorised streaming devices to broadcast Astro channels at rental units in Iskandar Puteri and Johor Bahru without a commercial subscription. Under the settlement, it agreed to pay RM46,000 in damages and legal costs, subscribe to five AstroBIZone commercial packages valued at RM24,000 for at least 12 months and issue a formal apology on its official Facebook page. The apology posted on the Cactus Homestay JB Facebook page acknowledged the infringement and urged others in the hospitality industry to use only licensed sources for entertainment content. 'We unequivocally condemn all forms of piracy and affirm our commitment to respecting Astro's intellectual property rights now and in the future. We are grateful to Astro for allowing us the opportunity to rectify our actions,' said the operator. In January, Measat was awarded RM175,000 in another case involving the unauthorised streaming of its premium content. The same High Court ruled in favour of Measat on Jan 7, after Frenz Pool Café and Tuwang 69 Sdn Bhd were found to have streamed an English Premier League match without permission. The court also issued a permanent injunction against the two companies, barring them from further unauthorised use of Astro's content.
Focus Malaysia
07-08-2025
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Homestay in Johor pays RM70k to Astro for illegal streaming
A JOHOR-based homestay operator has agreed to pay RM70,000 in total compensation after admitting to illegally streaming Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad's content to guests. This marks the first time Measat Broadcast Systems Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Astro, has resolved a piracy case involving a short-term rental business. The operator, trading under The Cactus X Empire, was found to have used unauthorised streaming devices to show Astro channels at rental units in Iskandar Puteri and Johor Bahru without a commercial licence. Under a legal undertaking, the operator has committed to (i) paying RM46,000 in damages and legal costs; (ii) subscribing upfront to five AstroBIZone commercial packages for a minimum of 12 months (valued at RM24,000); and (iii) publishing a formal apology on its official Facebook page. The public apology, now posted on Cactus Homestay JB's Facebook page, acknowledges the infringement and urges others in the hospitality sector to use only licensed content sources when providing entertainment to customers. 'We unequivocally condemn all forms of piracy and affirm our commitment to respecting Astro's intellectual property rights now and in the future,' read a portion of the apology notice by The Cactus X Empire. 'We are grateful to Astro for allowing us the opportunity to rectify our actions and we encourage others in the hospitality industry to learn from our experience and ensure all content made available to customers comes from legitimate and licensed sources.' Astro Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Tai Kam Leong commented: 'We have always taken a firm position against piracy, but this case is especially significant because it highlights how illegal streaming has seeped into everyday settings like homestay. 'Whether you are running a hotel, café, or short-term rental, those in the hospitality industry must understand that using TV boxes to stream content without a commercial licence is not just unlawful but also undermines the entire creative economy.' In a landmark ruling in November 2022, the High Court of Malaya affirmed that broadcasting content from unauthorised sources, including Astro broadcasts, for commercial use is illegal without the appropriate licence. ‒ Aug 7, 2025 Main image: Malay Mail
The Star
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Exclusive Astro One packs for civil servants
Civil servants will get to enjoy special discounts on Astro One packages with complimentary channels. ASTRO, Malaysia's leading content and entertainment company, has launched a special, value-driven entertainment package, exclusively created to express appreciation for the dedicated service of Malaysia's civil servants. The Exclusive Civil Servants offer (Tawaran Eksklusif untuk Penjawat Awam) is immediately available to over 1.6 million civil servants in Malaysia. It is a testament to Astro's recognition of the vital role government employees play in the progress and well-being of the nation. The exclusive offer consists of Astro One packs, offering a variety of Astro's premium content including a wide selection of channels, Astro's signature local programmes, Astro Originals, on demand entertainment and Astro GO access. The packages include options for streaming services, news, education, sports, movies, local and international entertainment for civil servants and their families with diverse preferences while also maximising their entertainment budget. 'As a homegrown company deeply rooted in the fabric of Malaysian society, Astro has been a part of the nation's story for many years, connecting families and communities through our diverse content and services. 'We understand the vital role civil servants play in shaping our nation, and this special package reflects our gratitude, offering valuable entertainment at a more affordable price. 'We understand the importance of providing accessible and enjoyable content, and we believe this package delivers exceptional value,' said Astro chief sales and marketing officer Tai Kam Leong. Enhanced value As part of the package, all civil servants will also enjoy exclusive offers and discounts for the Astro One Entertainment and Sports packs. These offers make Astro's most popular packs more affordable and accessible for civil servants. Highlights include substantial savings of up to RM960 along with complimentary viewing of the Kids Add-On and free installation via Plug and Play. Full details on the offer are as below: The Astro One Entertainment Pack provides access to more than 100 channels with a captivating array of both local and international content designed to cater to every member in the family. Exclusive for civil servants at RM39.99/month (RRP: RM49.99), customers can indulge in popular shows like Big Stage Alpha, Dia Bukan Syurga, Seribu Tahun, Astro Originals' First Wives and many more. In addition, with free access to Astro GO, customers can stream their favourite content anytime, anywhere. Sports fans can opt for the Astro One Sports Pack, which has everything in the Astro One Entertainment Pack in addition to a sports-filled fiesta of live sports including the Premier League, Badminton World Federation (BWF) events, Liga Malaysia, Sepak Takraw League, Formula 1, MotoGP, cricket, tennis and more at only RM69.99/month (RRP: RM99.99). All customers on the civil servants offer will also enjoy complimentary Kids Add-On (RRP: RM9.99) with access to six channels for children such as Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, CBeebies and more. Astro is committed to supporting the well-being of the Malaysian community and recognises the indispensable contributions of civil servants to the nation's development. It believes that this initiative will not only provide value to civil servants but also strengthen the bond between Astro and the community it serves. Civil servants can visit the website or WhatsApp 03-9543 3838 to sign up for the "Tawaran Eksklusif untuk Penjawat Awam" packs. Proof of civil service employment or pension card (for retirees) will be required during the sign-up process. *Terms and conditions apply. Monthly discounted pricing and complimentary viewing valid for 24 months.
