Kuala lumpur: A long-overdue amendment to the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) Act 1981 (Act 244) is expected to be tabled for the first reading in the Dewan Rakyat next month, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He noted that the proposed amendment aims to modernize the Act to align with technological advancements and industry requirements.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi emphasized that the update is not only about adapting to technological changes but also about enhancing the welfare and rights of film production workers to create a more structured and sustainable environment. He shared these insights after inaugurating the TAR UMT FCCI Film Festival 2025 - Alkisah: The Wonders of Asian Folklore.
Fahmi mentioned that preliminary engagement sessions have been conducted with Members of Parliament to elucidate the purpose and scope of the amendment. This legislative change responds to increasing challenges within the local film industry. He underscored the amendment's significance as the first major revision of the Act in decades, highlighting the necessity for the legislation to stay pertinent in a swiftly changing media landscape.
A significant focus of the amendment is the composition of the Finas board of directors. Currently, industry players and their immediate family members are barred from receiving grants if they serve on the board, which Fahmi described as an obstacle to meaningful participation. He noted that this restriction has discouraged many industry professionals from joining the board and stressed the importance of harmonizing these regulations to encourage active industry involvement.
Fahmi also disclosed that the government is reassessing the terms of contracts linked to the Creative Content Fund under the Communications Ministry and Finas. This review aims to ensure that grant recipients maintain the welfare and rights of their workers.
In his earlier address, Fahmi called upon Malaysians, including students and young filmmakers, to continue narrating stories of peace, unity, and diversity to bolster national identity. He encouraged the sharing of stories as a reflection of the nation's hopes, aspirations, and future, particularly during the National Month, which encompasses National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations.
He remarked that Malaysia is a shared home and future that requires collective defense and peaceful coexistence. Fahmi acknowledged the challenges of nation-building as an ongoing process that necessitates continuous storytelling of the Malaysian narrative.
Additionally, Fahmi commended the film festival initiative for offering a valuable platform for students to acquire practical experience in film production, better equipping them for future employment opportunities.