Not unfunny comedians, but times have changed - Shuib

Malaysian comedian Shuib Sepahtu attributes the perceived decline in the local comedy industry not to a lack of talent, but to significant changes in the entertainment sector. He argues that the landscape has shifted, with fewer television programs and diminished sponsorship opportunities impacting comedians' ability to thrive.

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If you want to talk about the comedy scene, in the past, TV stations played a big role. TV nurtured these comedians before the era of social media.

Shuib explained that in the past, television stations played a crucial role in nurturing comedians. However, the current scarcity of prominent comedy shows on TV means fewer platforms for performers. This situation forces many comedians to seek alternative income streams, such as entrepreneurship or active engagement on social media platforms like TikTok.

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But now, there really aren't any comedy programs on TV that are truly 'best,' 'boom,' or strong. One of the reasons is that sponsors are no longer strong or perhaps nonexistent.

He further elaborated that the financial incentives for participating in comedy competitions have decreased. Contestants now question the long-term prospects after a show concludes, unlike in the past when shows like "Raja Lawak" provided more follow-up opportunities and a sense of security. This uncertainty leads them to prioritize more reliable income sources.

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People think, after competing for 10 weeks, what happens next? In the end, they return to social media, create content, sell on TikTok, or participate in events because that's where the income is more guaranteed. That's the reality now.

Reflecting on the changing times, Shuib acknowledged the sadness of seeing the industry struggle but stressed the need to accept reality. He pointed out that audience tastes have evolved, and people now consume comedy through social media and YouTube, differing from the past when families would gather to watch TV programs. The nature of comedy itself has also transformed, moving from traditional forms to content heavily influenced by viral trends and technology.

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Sadness is indeed sadness. But we have to accept the reality because time moves on. The world changes. Audience tastes change. The way people enjoy comedy has also changed.