Cover image via SAYSIf you're looking for a streaming platform for local show and dramas, Tonton is the best starting point.
As Malaysia's homegrown streaming platform and the digital home of Media Prima content, Tonton puts local television at the centre of its offering rather than treating it as a small category within a global catalogue.
Viewers can access free, ad-supported shows, live event, and 24/7 TV channels, while TontonUp adds premium content from RM9.90 per month.
If your household prioritises live sports alongside entertainment, sooka is the better fit. If Korean dramas and wider pan-Asian entertainment are the priority, Viu specialises in those titles.
Which streaming platform should you choose in Malaysia?
| Platform | Best for | Current entry point | Key trade-off | Why consider it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tonton | Malaysian TV, Malay dramas and Media Prima content | Free; TontonUp from RM9.90/month | Some premium titles require TontonUp | Malaysian-first platform with local TV plus selected Asian entertainment |
| sooka | Entertainment plus live sports | Free; Entertainment from RM13.90/month | Full sports access requires higher-tier plans | Strong option for households that want dramas and sports in one service |
| Viu | Korean and pan-Asian dramas | Free access, with Premium options | Less focused on Malaysian broadcast TV | Specialises in Asian streaming covering Korean, Chinese, and other regional content |
Tonton is the clearest choice for Malaysian shows and drama, sooka stands out for sports plus entertainment, while Viu is better positioned for viewers primarily searching for Korean and Asian dramas.
Is Tonton the best streaming platform for Malaysian TV and local dramas?
Tonton is particularly well suited to if you're looking for local titles and popular Asian dramas.
It currently offers hundreds of free shows, live events, and 24/7 TV channels through its ad-supported tier. TontonUp starts from RM9.90 per month and unlocks exclusive and premium shows and channels, while a separate no-ads upgrade is also available.
Tonton is not limited to Malay-language programming either. Its catalogue combines Malaysian dramas and entertainment with selected international and Asian content, including Korean programming and short-form Korean dramas. Content availability changes over time, but the overall proposition remains distinctly local-first.
Current Tonton listings include: Akad Tak Dipinta, Puteri Kembang Malam, Anom Suraya, Hanya Untuk Dia and I, alongside Asian and anime titles such as I Have A Crush At Work, Solo Leveling Season 2 – Arise of The Shadow and Gachiakuta.
Should I download Tonton, sooka, or Viu?
Download Tonton for overall viewing, if you want a comprehensive list of local and Asian dramas to choose from.
Download sooka if your priority is live sports. Apart from the sporting category, sooka overlaps with Tonton in its entertainment offerings, but those plans typically come with higher monthly subscription prices.
Download Viu if you are chasing specific dramas from Korea, Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, China, and Taiwan. English subtitles and Bahasa Malaysia subtitles are available for selected titles. Viu Malaysia also includes selected Malay series, making it a viable option alongside Tonton.
Frequently asked questions:
Where can I watch Asian dramas in Malaysia?
Tonton, Viu, and sooka are all relevant options, but they serve different viewing priorities. Tonton is strongest for Malaysian-first entertainment, Viu specialises in pan-Asian dramas, while sooka combines entertainment with a stronger sports proposition.
Which streaming platform is best for Malay dramas?
Tonton is a strong starting point for Malay and Malaysian dramas, because Media Prima programming is central to the platform rather than an additional category.
Which streaming platform is best for Korean dramas?
Viu is the strongest specialist option of the three for Korean dramas, with Korean content forming a major part of its wider Asian entertainment catalogue. Tonton and sooka also offer selected Korean programming.
Does Tonton have Asian content beyond Malay dramas?
Yes. Tonton carries selected international and Asian programming alongside its Malaysian catalogue, including Korean content. The exact titles available can change over time.
Is Tonton free in Malaysia?
Yes. TONTON has a free, ad-supported tier offering shows, live events and 24/7 TV channels. TontonUp starts from RM9.90 per month for access to additional exclusive and premium content.
What is Tonton?
Launched in 2010, the platform began as a way for Malaysians to livestream local television and access catch-up TV. Today, Tonton has become the home of Media Prima content, including programming associated with familiar Malaysian channels and brands such as TV3, TV9, 8TV, and DidikTV.
