Kuala lumpur: The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) is planning to reprint the works and scholarly books of Malaysia's renowned animation figure, Hassan Muthalib, to ensure his legacy remains a source of reference for local filmmakers and animators. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced that the works of the Father of Malaysian Animation will be preserved in FINAS's library collection, enabling producers, directors, and other creative industry players to access and draw inspiration from Hassan's techniques, ideas, and experiences in filmmaking and animation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hassan has extensively written on the meaning and craft of filmmaking, with a new book set to be published early next year. Fahmi emphasized that such contributions deserve proper documentation. He made these remarks to reporters after visiting Hassan at his residence under the FINAS Ziarah Seni Madani 2025 programme.

Hassan's works, which gained prominence in the local animation scene since the 1980s, including titles like Sang Kancil dan Sang Monyet, are anticipated to help students, academicians, and industry players gain a better understanding of the history and foundation of Malaysian animation. Documenting Hassan's body of work not only honors his contributions but also serves as inspiration for the next generation of creative talents. Fahmi stated that it is crucial for the younger generation to know figures like Hassan and understand the foundations and history of the nation's film and animation industry.

Earlier, Fahmi also presented a contribution to Hassan, who recently underwent spinal surgery and is currently recovering.