The government’s decision to broadcast the 2026 FIFA World Cup via Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and Unifi TV has received positive feedback, with restaurant operators and the public benefiting from reduced viewing costs.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the initiative was well received by the Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma), which highlighted that free-to-air coverage is helping food and beverage operators save significantly on expenses.
He said matches are being made accessible through RTM, RTMKlik and Unifi TV, easing financial pressure on businesses that typically incur additional costs to show live sporting events.
“This initiative helps reduce costs that would otherwise be borne by the public and food operators. We hope it will also help attract more customers to food premises,” he told reporters after attending the Jiwa@Sembang Santai Special Edition FIFA World Cup 2026 programme at a food court in Seberang Jaya.
During the visit, Fahmi watched the first half of the Brazil versus Haiti match alongside patrons and interacted with traders at the public market.
He said the engagement provided an opportunity to gather direct feedback on business conditions and the challenges currently faced by small traders.
“I visited the stalls, met traders and listened to their views on business conditions and expectations for government assistance, both at state and federal level,” he said.
Fahmi added that he would relay the feedback to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow for further consideration.
He also encouraged more ministers, MPs and assemblymen to engage directly with the public to better understand the impact of rising living costs, particularly those linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
While expressing hope for an end to the conflict, he noted that its economic effects continue to be felt through higher prices of certain goods, which require ongoing attention from the authorities.
