KUALA LUMPUR,  7 April 2005

In Malaysia, the "live" telecast of races on satellite television Astro's Channel 501, which is due to start this weekend, has been put on hold following the withhold of permission by Selangor Turf Club (SLTC) to Pan Malaysian Pools (PMP) Sdn Bhd to broadcast the races.

PMP is the sole agent appointed by the Totalisator Board of Malaysia to operate the tote in the country.

In a press statement, SLTC claimed that Astro has not received approval from the authorities for operating Channel 501.

The SLTC pointed out that Deputy Information Minister Datuk Donald Lim had announced on March 29 that the authorities object to Astro Channel 501 for various reasons and that they would clarify with the Ministry of Energy, Water and Communications.

The SLTC also stated that this move is in line with the club's avowed philosophy of always acting within the framework of government regulations.

PMP's Telelink betting account holders were informed last week that they could subscribe to Astro's Channel 501 for a initial minimum period of three months at RM80 per month. Thereafter, they will be billed monthly.

However, the account holders must also have a current subscription in their names with Astro to enjoy the broadcast of Malaysian races only, Singapore races excluded for now.

In Singapore, the "live" broadcast of races over StarHub Digital Cable for Singapore Turf Club's account holders is "still under consideration".

In a press statement issued last month, the club said that due to the scale and complexities of the project, more time is needed to resolve certain technical and operational issues.

The broadcast was earlier scheduled to begin this month.