Govt sponsors World Cup screening but netizens think the money could be better used elsewhere

 

FOR THE first time in two decades, Malaysians from all walks of life will once again be able to gather in public spaces to watch the FIFA World Cup together under a government-sponsored initiative.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the tournament would be aired by RTM and Unifi TV as the official broadcasters of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Malaysia.

The public is encouraged to download the “RTM Klik” application to ensure they can watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches for free. Note that the move is more than merely about football.

It is about rekindling a national atmosphere many Malaysians fondly remember — crowded mamak restaurants, giant screens at public squares, late-night cheers echoing across neighbourhoods, and strangers celebrating goals like lifelong friends.

Sadly, however, the free viewing has rubbed many Malaysians the wrong way. A good number of netizens have since made their voice clear in the comment section of a post by PKR which carried the news.

Take it from netizen @boredPianist who said the world has called for people to boycott the World Cup 2026.

“Remember that the government is more willing to pay for the World Cup than it is for doctors and hospitals. They care more about football than the health of the people,” added @PSMGombak.

Check out the comment too:

Also, @chongwahkin said this is a waste of the rakyat’s money since the timezone between the matches and Malaysia is different.

Please explain to Rakyat Malaysia. How does it become free?” added @Mamato_Marcello.

According to Fahmi, several programmes would be organised ahead of the tournament, widely considered the largest and most prestigious single-sport event in the world. 

Perhaps the party believed that a government-backed World Cup screenings may become more than a nostalgic revival.

It could represent an effort to rebuild a sense of togetherness and national spirit through one of the world’s most beloved sporting spectacles.

With all that speculation about the next general election being held on the second half of 2026, we suppose the government is pulling up all the stops to win the peoples’ hearts. -  Focus Malaysia