KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- The Federation of Malaysian Film Associations (GAFEMA) hopes that the distribution mechanism for Budget 2027 allocations will be implemented transparently, fairly and in an accessible manner, taking into account the needs of the entire industry value chain.
Its chairman, N.Panchacharam @ Pansha, said the distribution should encompass producers, directors, actors, writers, production crews, technical personnel, freelancers and behind-the-scenes creative talent.
He said the success of Budget 2027 should not be measured solely by the amount allocated, but by the effectiveness of its implementation and the tangible benefits received by industry players.
“Government allocations must translate into more productions, job opportunities, better incomes and a more secure future for everyone in the film industry.
“A thriving industry is not merely about producing successful films, but also ensuring the livelihoods of those who make them,” he said in a statement today.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling Budget 2027 recently, announced an allocation exceeding RM130 million to support the local film, music and creative content sectors.
The initiatives include incentives for local and international productions filmed in Malaysia, as well as additional incentives for works featuring cultural and national identity elements.
In addition, tickets for local films and theatre performances in the Federal Territories will be fully exempt from entertainment duty starting in 2027.
While expressing his gratitude to the MADANI Government, Pansha described the announcement as an important recognition of the creative industry as an economic driver, a generator of job opportunities and a catalyst for developing Malaysia’s identity.
He said GAFEMA also welcomed incentives for the development of local animation and intellectual property (IP), but hoped that continued attention would be given to skills training, workers’ welfare and the industry’s adaptation to artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Meanwhile, GAFEMA welcome the move to exempt entertainment duty in the Federal Territories and hoped that state governments would take similar steps to ensure the benefits could be enjoyed nationwide.
Pansha also expressed GAFEMA’s readiness to work closely with the Ministry of Communications, National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) and all stakeholders to ensure that the implementation of Budget 2027 fulfils the aspirations of the industry.
-- BERNAMA