National broadcaster RTM will soon be increasing the number of non-Malay programmes in the state-run radio and television stations to project the nation's image as a multi-racial country.

Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin today revealed that the new non-Malay programmes would kickstart after the Aidilfitri celebrations.

According to a Bernama report, Zainuddin said that in order to achieve its identity as the national broadcasting body, RTM was responsible for airing more programmes which reflected the racial diversity in the country.

Zainuddin, speaking at the Information Ministry's monthly assembly today, also said that the national broadcaster had implemented various changes and new approaches aimed at raising the quality of its programmes to attract viewers.

"However, if the changes that had been made were not promoted seriously to the people, no one would be aware of these changes," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

He also urged other agencies under the Information Ministry to assist in promoting the changes made and programmes produced by RTM.

"We have the machinery and capability, why not use them to assist RTM in promoting the changes made because these agencies and departments were often moving on the ground," he said.

The minister also said that RTM faced a stiff competition from private television stations which were taking away traditional RTM followers.

He also regretted that the ministry staff themselves were belittling the RTM programmes in front of the public.