KUALA LUMPUR — The government’s decision to air the 2026 FIFA World Cup through Radio Televisyen Malaysia and Unifi TV has been positively received, with Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil saying the initiative is helping to ease costs for both food operators and the public.
He said feedback from the Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association indicated that the free broadcasts had generated substantial savings for food and beverage operators, Bernama reported.
“In fact, one trader told me that this is the first time in more than two decades that he has been able to watch World Cup matches free of charge.
“We know that these matches can be viewed through RTM, RTMKlik and Unifi TV. To me, this helps reduce the costs that would otherwise have to be borne by the public as well as food premises operators.
“We hope this initiative will help, particularly the food and beverage sector, attract more viewers and customers to their premises,” he told reporters after attending the Jiwa@Sembang Santai Special Edition FIFA World Cup 2026 programme at the Seberang Jaya Public Market food court in Butterworth on Friday.
Earlier, Fahmi watched the first half of the match between Brazil and Haiti with members of the public while also interacting with traders at the market.
He said the visit allowed him to gather first-hand feedback on business conditions and current challenges faced by small traders.
“I took the opportunity to visit the stalls, meet the traders and gather information on business conditions as well as their expectations regarding assistance from the state or federal government.
“I have received several inputs and will convey them to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow,” he said.
Fahmi also urged more ministers, Members of Parliament and assemblymen to engage directly with communities to better understand ground realities, particularly amid rising costs linked to the conflict in West Asia.
“While we hope the conflict will come to an end, its effects are still being felt through increases in the cost of certain goods, and this is something that requires attention,” he said.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is organised under the global football governing body FIFA World Cup 2026. — June 20, 2026