KUALA LUMPUR: The Communications and Digital Ministry (KKD) and Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) are in discussion to create a dedicated free sports channel by the second quarter of this year.
Its minister Fahmi Fadzil said although currently sports events can be watched through the RTMKlik application, there are still many people who do not have smartphones.
"I have asked the broadcaster to examine when this can be implemented. I hope we can launch this channel before or after Hari Raya.
"Now when there is a certain sports event we broadcast it on TV1 or TV2. If we have a special channel dedicated to this matter, we can fill various other programs on TV1 and TV2," he said.
He told this to members of the media after attending the Lembah Pantai Parliament constituency Chinese New Year Open House in Taman Sri Sentosa today.
Fahmi said for starters local sports will be given priority first before moving on to international sports.
"If we want to popularise sports, for KKD this is a way to provide support to local athletes and also sports fans in the country.
"However, there are many things we need to consider because this initiative, definitely has financial implications," he said.