Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) has implemented continuous geoblocking and 24/7 monitoring to prevent viewers outside Malaysia from accessing its FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcasts on the RTMKlik platform [1, 2, 3]. This effort includes detecting and blocking VPN attempts to bypass the restrictions.
The Malaysian government secured exclusive rights to broadcast all 104 matches, including 94 live and 10 delayed, with a budget of RM26.2 million, less than the RM33 million spent for 41 matches during the 2022 World Cup [1, 2, 3]. Ashwad Ismail, RTM’s Director-General of Broadcasting, said, "We consistently implement geoblocking, which is part of our agreement with FIFA. Our technical team monitors the situation around the clock, and enhancements are made to the RTMKlik backend system regularly to ensure that World Cup content on RTMKlik cannot be accessed from outside Malaysia" [1].
RTM’s technical team regularly updates the RTMKlik system to maintain security and platform stability throughout the tournament [1, 4, 2, 3]. The platform has averaged between 1.5 million and 2.5 million views per match so far, though full viewership details will be released after the event concludes [1, 2, 3].
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, began June 11 in Mexico City and will conclude with the final in New Jersey on July 19 [1, 2, 3]. RTM discussed its broadcast protections on "The Nation with Jessy Chahal" June 17, inviting public feedback to enhance service quality and security [1, 2, 3, 4].
Ashwad Ismail acknowledged the challenges RTM faces, saying, "Of course, we can do better. This is a new experience for RTM after more than 20 years of handling World Cup broadcasts. I take this opportunity to apologise if there are any minor shortcomings, as RTM is at the forefront of handling the broadcast of all 104 matches this time" [2].
