SUBANG JAYA: The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia (MCMM) is studying the direct telecast of English Premier League (EPL) football matches on Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) in future.
Its minister, Gobind Singh Deo said this followed the success of the 2018 World Cup telecast which was described as a major achievement for the station.
“This is something that was brought to our attention, but not for this year because it may incur a massive fund, also not for next year, but in future years,” he told reporters when attending the “Let’s Watch The 2018 World Cup Football Final Match Together With MCMM Minister” at the Subang Jaya Municipal Council Field, Puchong, here tonight.
Gobind said the MCMM was committed to bring more sports programmes live for the purpose of raising the quality of the government station.
The government through RTM had broadcast 41 of the 64 matches at the cost of RM30 million to buy the rights of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia beginning June 14 until July 15.
The broadcast received sponsorship amounting to RM30 million through Maxis Bhd and AirAsia Bhd.
Gobind said in addition, the plan to upgrade RTM also involved the Media City project at Angkasapuri which was expected to be ready in two months’ time.
“I am glad to say that the completion of Media City which is equipped with modern equipment and technology will help to raise RTM’s broadcast quality,” he said.
Meanwhile, at the programme, more than 1,000 Puchong residents as well as those from its surrounding areas, joined in to catch the 2018 World Cup through two giant screens.
The final match between France and Croatia began at 11pm Malaysian time.
Gobind, who is also the member of Parliament for Puchong, chose to support the French team with the result prediction of 2-0.
He said he had met with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad this morning who had expressed his support for the Croatian team.