It's Official: Malaysians Can Watch 2018 World Cup Matches For Free On RTM
The matches would be aired live over TV1.
By Tang Ruxyn — 30 May 2018, 04:15 PM
Malaysians will be able to watch the upcoming 21st FIFA World Cup tournament on their television without paying any extra fee
Newly minted Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo announced today, 30 May, that the 2018 FIFA World Cup which will be held in Russia from 14 June to 15 July will be telecast live on Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) for free.
"For now, we are announcing that the World Cup will be aired on RTM1. Other information will be relayed at a later date," he was quoted as saying by New Straits Times.
Harian Metro reported Gobind as saying that the proposal was approved after it was presented in a Cabinet meeting this morning.
According to Gobind, the cost to air the quadrennial international football tournament live will be revealed later
"There is a cost involved but as far as we are concerned we will try to find ways to absorb the costs... this is something that is a one-off, once in four years," Gobind said, as reported by Malaysiakini.
"As for costs, we are going to deal with that."
He added that these are matters that will be discussed by the Finance Ministry and the details will be explained later.
The decision to air the 2018 World Cup matches over RTM1 comes just days after Gobind revealed that the Communications and Multimedia Ministry backed the proposal
Gobind reportedly said during his visit to Wisma Bernama on Monday, 28 May, that airing the matches live on television was an important move for the national broadcaster to transform and boost viewership.
"I am supportive of the live telecast as it will allow more Malaysians to enjoy the telecast and increase revenue and views for RTM," he was quoted as saying by theSun.