RTM gets RM30 mln sponsorship for World Cup soccer telecast

PUTRAJAYA: Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) has officially received the required RM30million sponsorship from Maxis Bhd and AirAsia Bhd for its telecast of the 2018 FIFA World Cup soccer matches, Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo announced yesterday.

He said Maxis was the Platinum Sponsor with its sponsorship of RM18 million and AirAsia, the Gold Sponsor with its sponsorship of RM12 million.

Gobind Singh, who is a fan of the Brazilian soccer team, said several other corporate companies were in discussion with RTM on meeting other costs such as promotion.

“The cost of the broadcasting rights is RM30 million. We have specific cost agreements. If we have additional sponsorship, we can broadcast more matches. This matter is still under discussion,” he said after launching the RTM 2018 FIFA World Cup free broadcast at the ministry here.

The minister had announced previously that the government, through RTM, would broadcast 41 of the 64 matches of the World Cup tournament hosted by Russia at a cost of RM30 million between June 14 and July 15.

Of the 41 matches, 28 are to be telecast live and the rest, delayed, over TV1 and TV2.

Gobind Singh said the telecast of the matches would enable RTM to enhance its performance and role as a government media organisation.

He said the free broadcast proved that the present government was sensitive to the people's interest in the quadrennial international tournament.

“Taking into account the value of solidarity that can be fostered through the broadcast of the tournament, I have been working to realise the dream of football fans. The cooperation through this sporting event is a platform to unite Malaysians of all communities and status.” he said. - Bernama