SG BULOH — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil is aiming to have at least 50% of workers in the creative industry contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to build their retirement savings.
Currently, only 6% of the 70,000 creative industry practitioners are registered as EPF members.
Fahmi, speaking at a press conference after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) and EPF today, said he hopes to see this number rise within the next couple of years.
The MoU outlines key initiatives to improve contributors’ welfare, including introducing insurance coverage, simplifying the application process for the Filming Certificate (SPP) under a ‘Standard Contract’ framework, and promoting awareness of the EPF contribution scheme.
These efforts are designed to address the financial security and retirement planning needs of the arts and creative industry workforce.
It will ensure mandatory savings plans, retirement planning, and overall welfare for individuals in Malaysia’s arts and creative industries
“Many in the creative industry work on a freelance basis, making it challenging to register everyone as EPF members,” Fahmi said.
“However, through this collaboration with FINAS, we aim to engage producers and industry players to emphasise the importance of EPF and the welfare it provides. I’m optimistic we can significantly increase membership in the coming years.”
Fahmi added that a clear mechanism would be necessary to implement these changes effectively.
“With the Creative Content Fund (DKK) already in place, it is crucial to ensure that those in the creative and film industries are adequately protected,” he said.
The MoU also includes the involvement of registered associations under the FINAS Malaysian Creative Capacity Building Programme (MyCAP), underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting this sector.
Also present at the event were KWSP chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Mohd Zuki Ali, FINAS chairman Datuk Kamil Othman, and presidents of various industry associations. – November 19, 2024