Malaysia’s Astro Radio has launched its own music and radio streaming mobile app called Raku.

Short for Radio Aku (My Radio in Bahasa Malaysia), Raku is available in two versions – Free and Premium.

The free version offers millions of international and Malaysian songs, videos and more than 20 live radio stations and podcasts.

The app will also feature local community updates such as news, traffic and sports in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin and Tamil.

Raku Premium comes with unlimited access to millions of tracks, customized  playlists, radio on-demand  and add-ons such as being able to download music to a device for listening when offline.

Subscribers can also create their own radio station and playlists and share the personalized playlist with their friends on social media.

Raku Premium is available at $4.10 (RM14.90) per month for all Malaysians via and on Android as well as at $5.99 on the Apple App Store.

Local DJs with playlists on the radio streaming service include Ean, Jin and RD  from Hitz FM, Haniff and Hani  from ERA FM and Aanantha from THR Raaga.

Henry Tan, Chief Operating Officer of Astro said: “Raku is designed for Malaysians, enabling users to pick and choose the best of local and international music and radio content with options to combine with podcasts. Raku looks to increase its advertisers’ value proposition by offering innovative opportunities to engage with their target consumers.”

Jake Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Astro Radio said: “I am pleased that RAKU is able to strengthen its commitment to supporting Malaysian artistes and indie bands by offering a new way of connecting with their fans. Advertisers who are interested in engaging their consumers also have the chance to leverage on RAKU’s extensive reach through its innovative media buy. Now they can offer a specific ad targeted to a single consumer in a single context, offering more cost-effective advertising.”