The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia (MCMM) is studying the direct telecast of English Premier League (EPL) football matches on Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) in future.

Its minister, Gobind Singh Deo said this followed the success of the 2018 World Cup telecast which was described as a major achievement for the station.

“This is something that was brought to our attention, but not for this year because it may incur a massive fund, also not for next year, but in future years,” he told reporters when attending the “Let’s Watch The 2018 World Cup Football Final Match Together With MCMM Minister” at the Subang Jaya Municipal Council Field, Puchong, last night.

Gobind said the MCMM was committed to bring more sports programmes live for the purpose of raising the quality of the government station.

The government through RTM had broadcast 41 of the 64 matches at the cost of RM30 million to buy the rights of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia beginning June 14 until July 15.

The broadcast received sponsorship amounting to RM30 million through Maxis Bhd and AirAsia Bhd.

Gobind said in addition, the plan to upgrade RTM also involved the Media City project at Angkasapuri which was expected to be ready in two months’ time.

"I am glad to say that the completion of Media City which is equipped with modern equipment and technology will help to raise RTM’s broadcast quality,” he said.

Meanwhile, at the programme more than 1,000 people made up of the residents in Puchong and surrounding areas joined in watching the 2018 World Cup through two giant screens.

The final match between France and Croatia began at 11 pm Malaysian time.

Gobind (centre in photo), who is also the Member of Parliament for Puchong, chose to support the French team with the result prediction of 2-0.

He said he had met with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad this morning who had expressed his support for the Croatian team.

Soccermania at Dataran

Meanwhile about 5,000 football fans have gathered at Dataran Merdeka last night to watch the finals, with several national leaders in attendance.

Among those present were Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abd Samad and Works Minister Baru Bian.

Le Bleus, winners of the 1998 World Cup take first-time finalists Croatia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

Syed Saddiq expressed his delight in seeing Malaysians of different races and religions, especially youths being present to watch the match with their families.

"This proves that this sport has managed to unite us all," he said when met by reporters here tonight.

Earlier, Khalid in his opening remarks said the match which was being shown on a 100x50 foot (30.48x15.24 m) LED screen was the largest of its kind in Malaysia.

Also present were ambassadors and officials from the French and Croatian embassies.

Deputy minister kicks off fiesta

Meanwhile in Kuala Pilah, about 500 youths attended the Kuala Pilah Parliament Youth World Cup Fiesta at the compound of the Kuala Pilah Member of Parliament's office last night.

The programme was launched by the Kuala Pilah MP and Deputy Minister of Communications and Multimedia Eddin Syazlee Shith.

The one-day programme was organised by the Kuala Pilah Parliament Service Centre in collaboration with the Information Department.

Various activities were made available before the World Cup final including the World Cup Play Station 4 competition, penalty competition and product sales by youths.

Eddin Syazlee also watched the live broadcast of the final match between France and Croatia together with the youths.

Meanwhile, Eddin Syazlee when met by reporters said the fiesta programme was the best way to approach youths.

"We do not want to see these youths doing unhealthy activities so these programmes are seen as among the best ways to guide and bring this group towards the future more systematically," he said.

- Bernama