Astro partners with MCMC to raise awareness among youth about safe internet habits.
Astro champions safe and ethical Social Media use for youth through the techno-thriller series ‘Maara’
“As a leading local content and entertainment brand, we are committed to elevating high-quality vernacular storytelling and creating meaningful platforms for local talent to thrive. As part of this, we have extended the broadcast of our new local Tamil shows to a full hour since February 2026, enabling rich storytelling and offering more opportunities for homegrown creators. Beyond entertainment, we continue to drive our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda through our ‘Voice for Good’ initiative, using content as a force for positive social impact. Through Maara, we are proud to partner with MCMC in this timely effort to promote digital responsibility and raise awareness about safe internet practices and the ethical use of social media and AI among youth. This reflects our ongoing dedication to empowering communities with knowledge, fostering responsible media consumption, and building a more informed, inclusive, and digitally resilient society.”
“MCMC remains firmly committed to strengthening public awareness on cyber security and responsible digital use through our Safe Internet Campaign. This campaign is a continuous effort to educate all user groups, especially children and families, about internet safety. Through strategic partnerships with industry players and the implementation of community-based programs, this initiative also supports long-term efforts to create a safer internet environment for everyone.”
Directed and produced by award-winning local filmmaker Jayaperrakash Jaimoorthi (Japi), the story of Maara follows Maragathavalli (Maara), a 19-year-old university student who seeks fame and financial stability as a social media influencer with the help of her mentor, Alice. As her ambition grows, Maara begins to breach ethical boundaries. She exploits her disabled sister for a viral post. When her rival, Brindha, exposes her, Maara retaliates by leaking Brindha’s private video, with tragic consequences. With the police closing in, Maara tries to erase her digital footprint covertly, ultimately finding herself trapped between guilt and a struggle for survival. Her choice to confess or flee forms the core of the story.
Maara features a popular lineup of local stars, including Dishaleny Jack, Punitha Shanmugam, Divya Kya, Sathya Gandhi, and K. Prakash. New episodes of this gripping series will air Monday through Thursday at 9:30 PM on TV, Astro GO, On Demand, and Sooka.
Through Maara’s journey, Astro delivers a timely, critical message to young viewers, demonstrating that pursuing social media fame without ethical considerations can lead to severe real-world consequences. Designed to deepen awareness of digital responsibility under MCMC’s ‘Safe Internet’ campaign, the series highlights the importance of empathy, privacy, and mindful online behaviour. Furthermore, it offers viewers, particularly teenagers, a realistic perspective on how their digital actions impact the real world.
Astro invites customers to experience the high-value Astro One packages, now available from RM49.99*, offering seamless streaming and endless entertainment. Customers interested in subscribing to Astro One can visit astro.com.my or WhatsApp 03 9543 3838. For more details, please visit content astro.com.my.
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