KUALA LUMPUR (May 13): Radio Televisyen Malaysia will discontinue from July 1 the broadcast of its channels on Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd’s (KL:ASTRO) platform, according to news reports.

The decision was made after both parties were unable to reach an agreement over a price that meets their respective financial capabilities despite years of negotiations over costs and rental rates, the New Straits Times reported, citing a circular from the state-owned broadcaster also known as RTM.

Rising channel rental costs had increased its financial burden, rendering the arrangement that lasted nearly three decades no longer sustainable, according to RTM.

RTM is owned by the government under the Ministry of Communications. The operator has collaborated with Astro since 1996 for TV1 and TV2, while its Okey channel is also carried on Astro’s satellite and over-the-top platforms.

Astro has yet to respond to the report.

The development comes as Astro continues to face pressure on its sports and content portfolio.

Last week, the pay-television operator said it is in talks with new broadcast rights holders for the upcoming Fifa World Cup after being outbid by RTM and Unifi TV, ending a two-decade uninterrupted run as the tournament’s broadcaster in Malaysia.