Kuala lumpur: The allocation of RM140 million to the creative sector under Budget 2026 is regarded as a major catalyst for the growth of the local arts industry and for creating more job opportunities for its practitioners. Malaysian Artistes Association (Seniman) chairman Rozaidi Abdul Jamil, better known as Zed Zaidi, said the funding reflected the government's strong commitment to ensuring the creative industry remained a key contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) while strengthening the development of the digital creative ecosystem, which benefitted thousands of workers in the arts sector.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, while tabling Budget 2026, announced an allocation of RM110 million as incentives for local and international film producers, including RM10 million for nationhood-themed content. In addition, RM10 million was set aside for organising concerts by local and international artistes in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, while RM20 million was allocated to support the digital creative ecosystem, particularly in animation and digital gaming.
Zed Zaidi also lauded the government's decision to allocate RM20 million for the development of the digital creative ecosystem encompassing areas such as animation and artificial intelligence (AI), which he believed would encourage youth to pursue creative careers rooted in modern technology. He also suggested that the government reconsider providing specific allocations for the welfare of registered artistes and performers through arts-based non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as was previously implemented.
Meanwhile, Film Directors' Association of Malaysia (FDAM) chairman Datuk Afdlin Shauki said the increased funding for the creative sector this year was significantly higher than in previous years and would greatly assist producers in continuing their work amid economic challenges. Afdlin said the RM10 million allocation for nationhood films was a wise move as the genre not only carried historical value and fostered patriotism, but also strengthened Malaysia's cultural identity on the silver screen. He also emphasised the need for greater focus on developing stronger production infrastructure to elevate the quality of local art and film to international standards.
Meanwhile, Recording Industry Association of Malaysia (RIM) chairman Rosmin Hashim said the RM10 million incentive for organising local and international concerts was a positive move, but modest compared with the sector's huge economic potential. He added that the disbursement of the funds should be balanced to ensure both local and international concert organisers benefitted.