THE National Film Development Corporation (Finas) chairman, Datuk Hans Isaac, has described the proposed Gig Workers Bill 2025 as a crucial step towards protecting local arts workers.
Hans said that the bill aims to address issues such as minimum wage and working hours for industry professionals, with the goal of securing the welfare of production crews and veteran actors.
“The decision on the Gig Workers Bill 2025 for the arts industry has not yet been finalised and is still awaiting approval from the highest level,” he said after a special briefing with Human Resources Minister Steven Sim and Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching at Finas, recently.
“However, all industry bodies, such as associations, need to play their part. We have information from these associations on payment rates and ratings for artistes, which helps us determine who is a Grade A, B, or C actor,” he added.
Hans also highlighted the significant pay disparities within the industry, particularly for production crews, veteran actors, and even film directors.
“For example, you have film directors who can demand up to RM1 million for a single film, while others only get paid RM30,000,” he said.
“The same is true for film production costs, with some reaching RM10 million due to sponsorships, while others are as low as RM800,000.”
According to Hans, the most important thing is for the industry to have clear guidelines based on the new bill to prevent exploitation.
“Local arts workers have been fighting this issue for decades without a solution,” he said.
“In fact, I prepared the first proposal paper myself when I was the Finas chairman in 2019. Back then, I was championing the same principles that are now being given attention to gig workers like those in e-hailing and p-hailing. The truth is arts workers have long been in this gig worker category.”
Hans pointed out that arts workers, such as performers, stage actors, makeup artists, and production crews, often struggle with irregular income, making it difficult for them to get loans for homes or vehicles.
He stressed that the Gig Workers Bill 2025 also includes social protection aspects, such as formal work documentation and contributions to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and other social accounts to improve their welfare.
“Many people only see popular artistes making big money,” he said. “However, the behind-the-scenes production crews and other creative workers are often neglected. That’s why harmonising minimum wages is so important.”
He concluded by expressing hope that the bill can be presented to Parliament soon and finalised this year.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
