KUALA LUMPUR — Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) has denied claims that it spent tens of millions of ringgit to secure broadcasting rights for the inaugural FIFA Asean Cup, saying the actual cost was significantly lower.
RTM director-general Datuk Ashwad Ismail said the claim was inaccurate as the national broadcaster did not acquire rights to the entire tournament, but specifically secured coverage for matches involving Harimau Malaya.
“Everyone knows that the cost of securing broadcasting rights for international sporting events is high, but the claim that we spent a substantial amount is untrue.
“Through negotiations and strategic cooperation with various parties, we successfully secured the official broadcasting rights for matches involving Harimau Malaya for Malaysian fans,” he said, as quoted in an RTM Facebook post.
Ashwad said RTM’s decision to broadcast the national team’s matches live was driven by strong public demand, with Malaysians keen to follow Harimau Malaya’s campaign in the newly launched regional tournament.
He said the move also reflected the government’s efforts, particularly by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, to meet public demand for access to the national team’s matches.
“First and foremost, we looked at the demand from viewers and Malaysians, who have a very strong interest in supporting Harimau Malaya.
“Therefore, we have done our best to broadcast the matches involving the national team,” he said.
RTM is broadcasting selected Harimau Malaya matches from the FIFA Asean Cup live and free of charge through Sukan RTM and the RTMKlik platform.
The broadcaster was previously listed as an official broadcaster for the tournament in Malaysia in a post on the FIFA Asean Cup’s Facebook page.
However, Ashwad clarified that RTM’s deal was focused specifically on matches involving the national team, rather than broadcasting rights for the tournament in its entirety.
Harimau Malaya begin their Group A Division 1 campaign against Bangladesh at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta today, before facing hosts Indonesia at the same venue on Sept 28.
Malaysia will conclude their group campaign against Singapore at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung on Oct 1.
The inaugural FIFA Asean Cup is being held from Sept 24 to Oct 5 in Indonesia and Hong Kong, China, featuring 14 teams — all 11 Asean member nations and three guest teams: Bangladesh, Pakistan and Hong Kong, China. - September 25, 2026
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