KUALA LUMPUR – Popular local fashion retailer, Pusat Pakaian Hari-Hari, has inked a sponsorship deal worth RM500,000 with Malaysian Football League (MFL) to become one of M-League’s partners for the 2021 season.
After signing the one-year agreement, Hari-Hari, who sponsors Kelantan United FC this season, is also open to the possibility of an extension in September 2021.
Hari Hari director, Syed Mohamed Sani Syed Kamarullbahrim, said that they wanted to be the first in these unprecedented times to show their support for Malaysian football, citing that many sponsors had either pulled the plug or reduced the amount of their sponsorship due to the ongoing pandemic.
“Football is the number one sport in the country and around the world. We are excited to be partnering with MFL as we have always associated ourselves with sports, especially football. At the same time, we would also like to set an example for other companies in the private sector to get involved in Malaysian sports.”
Upon this announcement, Hari-Hari will become a sponsor for the Super League, Premier League, Malaysia Cup and Challenge Cup competitions for the 2021 season.
According to MFL CEO, Dato’ Ab Ghani, MFL has always welcomed private companies to be sponsors of M-League as their involvement will add excitement to the local football industry, especially from a commercial aspect.
He was optimistic that the presence of Hari-Hari, which was formed in 1990 and operates 86 branches nationwide, will encourage other interested companies to sponsor the M-League in the near future.
“The slogan ‘Hari-Hari’ between MFL and the fashion retailer shares the same mission ─ to encourage the daily support of local football and its products. MFL welcomes the addition of Hari-Hari as one of M-League’s sponsors as we are confident that PPHH has made the right decision to commercialise their products in Liga Malaysia.
“The Malaysian football industry is huge, and I believe Hari-Hari will serve as a benchmark for other companies to step forward and sponsor the M-League, which has incredible commercial potential. Hari-Hari’s spirited support of M-League is a positive sign for the football industry, which has been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Over 18 million viewers have watched the 30 Liga Super matches as of March 24, either through ‘live’ broadcasts on television or via social media platforms. Since the government started allowing fans back into the stadiums on April 1, Liga Malaysia has seen more excitement and action than ever before, which greatly benefits sponsors,” he said.
“This (sponsorship deal) is an initiative by Pusat Pakaian Hari-Hari to elevate the local sports industry and help the nation recover from the economic downturn caused by the ongoing pandemic. ─ The Vibes, 7 April, 2021.
