GEORGE TOWN: The federal government will not be paying anything to have RTM air 41 of the World Cup 2018’s 64 matches.
Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng explained today that the government has managed to secure RM30 million in corporate sponsorships, thus defraying the cost of airing the matches.
He said in exchange, the corporate sponsors will have their advertisements aired during match intervals.
“We have managed to get the total RM30 million (cost sponsored) for the World Cup matches. We will not be spending a single sen.
“And Malaysians will save as much as RM100 (which they would have to fork out for pay TV service providers),” he said.
Lim made his comments at Komtar where he received RM3 million in donations towards Tabung Harapan Malaysia from Ewein Bhd, Magni-Tech Industries Bhd and tycoon Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping.
Ewein Bhd, Magni-Tech Industries and Tan donated RM1 million each.
The Finance Minister said that they had managed to collect RM27 million for the Tabung as of 9.30am.
“We want to thank all donors for their generous contributions.
“With the additional RM3 million we (have just received), the total collection now amounts to more than RM30 million,” he added.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo had previously said 41 World Cup matches would be aired on RTM, of which 27 would be shown live.
He said that the cost of airing the 41 matches would be RM30 million.
The World Cup this year is hosted by Russia and will take place at 12 venues. It kicks off on June 14.