KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 (Bernama) — A long-overdue amendment to the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) Act 1981 (Act 244) is expected to be tabled for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat next month, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
He said the proposed amendment aims to improve and modernise the Act to ensure that Malaysia’s film industry continues to evolve in line with current technological advancements and industry needs.
“This is not just about updating the Act to reflect the latest technological developments…we are also focusing on strengthening the welfare and rights of those working in film production to ensure a more structured and sustainable environment,” he told reporters after launching TAR UMT FCCI Film Festival 2025 – Alkisah: The Wonders of Asian Folklore, here today.
Fahmi said that early engagement sessions have also been held with Members of Parliament to clarify the purpose and scope of the amendment, which is being introduced in response to mounting challenges in the local film industry.
“This is being done for the benefit of the industry. We’re looking at long-term sustainability and viability,” he remarked.
Describing the amendment as comprehensive, Fahmi said it marks the first significant revision of the Act in decades.
The update, he explained, is essential to ensure the legislation remains relevant in a rapidly evolving media and creative landscape.
A key area addressed in the amendment involves the structure of the Finas board of directors. Under the current framework, industry players and their immediate family members are restricted from receiving grants if they serve on the board – something Fahmi described as a “barrier to meaningful participation”.
“This has deterred many industry professionals from serving on the board.
“We believe this needs to be harmonised, and we’ve taken this feedback seriously,” he said, adding that active industry involvement is crucial to ensure the board remains in touch with real-world challenges.
Fahmi also revealed that the government is reviewing the terms of contracts related to the Creative Content Fund under the Communications Ministry and Finas to ensure that grant recipients uphold the welfare and rights of their workers.
In his speech earlier, Fahmi called on Malaysians, including students and young filmmakers, to continue sharing and creating stories of peace, unity and diversity as a way to strengthen national identity.
“In this month of celebrating our nation’s birth and the formation of Malaysia, I strongly encourage all of you to continue to be storytellers of peace, storytellers of unity, storytellers of our communities, and of our diversity, of our nation’s hopes and aspirations and future,” he said adding that stories are not confined to films but are reflected in everyday life.
Fahmi said the National Month, which encompasses National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, should bring Malaysians closer together.
“Malaysia is our home. This is our future. We have to defend it together. We have to continue to live in peace and harmony. Yes, there are challenges, there’s a lot of work to be done, but that’s what nation-building is. It’s a never-ending process. We have to continue telling the Malaysian story, in our own way, well into the future,” he said.
He also praised the film festival initiative, saying it provides a valuable platform for students to gain hands-on experience in film production and better prepare them for the workforce.
— BERNAMA
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