In a circular dated May 11, RTM said both parties are currently facing difficulties in reaching a pricing agreement and contract terms that meet their respective needs and financial capabilities, Berita Harian reported.

“Accordingly, RTM has decided to terminate its broadcasting of RTM channels, namely TV1-HD, TV2-HD and Okey, on the Astro satellite platform as well as its over-the-top platform,” it said.

RTM said its collaboration with Astro had involved several joint productions and had positively impacted viewers of both parties.

“As channel rental costs continue to rise and RTM’s financial burden to rent these channels becomes increasingly heavy, it is more appropriate for us to terminate this service so that we are not continuously burdened by costs that are difficult to control,” it said.