KUALA LUMPUR — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has acknowledged concerns over the RM40 million reduced allocation for the Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI) fund, but urged industry players to work within the available budget.
“It (FIMI funding allocation) was not up to me, but this is what we have to work with,” Fahmi said during a press conference following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) and the Employees Provident Fund (KWSP) today.
Earlier today, Scoop reported that the RM40 million allocation, announced as part of Budget 2025, has sparked frustration among industry players who argue it is insufficient to sustain both local and international productions.
Fahmi assured stakeholders that steps are being taken to address these concerns.
“I have asked Finas to hold meetings with several industry players to discuss in detail additional alternative funding sources to what we already have. Give us a bit more time before we make any further announcements,” he said.
Apart from FIMI, Fahmi highlighted the Creative Content Fund (DKK) as another resource to encourage greater participation in the creative sector.
“Finas will engage with industry players to explore these suggestions and improve the mechanisms in place,” he said.
Addressing feedback from industry veterans, Fahmi noted that FIMI funds should not solely focus on attracting international productions but also support local films.
Fahmi also defended the current rebate mechanism under FIMI, which only disburses funds after a project is completed.
“This approach ensures that there are no issues with unfinished projects. It’s a good working mechanism that protects the integrity of the fund,” he said.
He stressed the importance of maintaining accountability, particularly with other initiatives like the Creative Content Fund.
“We want to establish a robust industry while avoiding any issues with the Auditor General regarding misappropriation of funds or incomplete projects,” he added.
While Fahmi’s assurances are a step forward, the RM40 million allocation remains a contentious issue among filmmakers who argue it limits Malaysia’s ability to compete as a global filming hub.
Separately, Fahmi said he plans to meet with media rights groups to address concerns surrounding the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) 1984.
According to Fahmi, he intends to meet with the National Union of Malaysian Journalists (NUJM), the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), and Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) to better understand their concerns over proposed amendments to the Act.
On November 16, media rights groups called on the Home Ministry to clarify reports that the amendments might reintroduce licensing requirements for online media, tighten penalties, and expand the definition of “publication” to include digital and electronic content.
“I will reach out to NUJM, CIJ, and Geramm to better understand the issue… This is based solely on media reports,” Fahmi said.
While the draft amendments fall under the jurisdiction of the Home Ministry, Fahmi said he is open to hearing the views of media representatives.
“God willing, we will try to convey their concerns to the Home Ministry,” he added. – November 19, 2024