Finas to sponsor EPF registration for 1,000 creative industry members
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said that the initiative, which will run until September, would prioritise applicants who had yet to open an EPF account.
"Those interested may apply through Profima (Malaysian Professional Film Workers Association) and Gafema (Malaysia Film Association Coalition)," he said during a press conference at the Finas Hari Raya Open House at the Royale Chulan Hotel today.
Present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and Finas chairman Datuk Hans Isaac.
Fahmi also launched the Gafema and a social protection initiative under the Pelindung programme.
As part of the event, Gafema handed over a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to the Communications Ministry through Finas, marking a gesture of solidarity and a collaborative step towards developing industry policy.
Fahmi said that one of Gafema's key initiatives, in partnership with Finas, was to establish comprehensive social protection for creative professionals, especially freelancers, production crews, and behind-the-scenes workers.
He also said that Gafema, established on Aug 21, 2023, was now officially recognised by Finas as the umbrella body for the creative sector.
"We will ensure that Gafema becomes the umbrella body for associations across various sectors of the film industry. Finas will primarily liaise with Gafema on most matters," he said.
"Gafema has united over 16 associations, including producers, directors, technical staff, animators, scriptwriters, post-production professionals, and many others, into one collective entity to advocate for rights, welfare, and industry development."
"I also welcome the presentation of the MoU from Gafema to Finas as a symbol of our shared commitment to strengthening industry policies," he added.
Earlier, Finas held a creative industry town hall programme, where it provided a briefing on proposed amendments to the Finas Act 1981.
The session also provided a platform for industry players to share their views and ensure the continuous improvement of the sector.
Fahmi expressed hopes that the amendments would be tabled in Parliament by July, or at the latest, by year-end.
He said that the legislative changes were expected to form a solid foundation for the creative industry's growth in a more structured and progressive direction.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
18 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Perkeso contributions to be mandatory under Gig Workers Bill, says Sim
KUALA LUMPUR: All platform providers will be required to deduct contributions to the Social Security Organisation (Socso) under the Gig Workers Bill. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the percentage or deduction rate for each transaction will be determined through rules that will be released later. "Socso will strengthen monitoring mechanisms and conduct regular audits on platform providers to ensure full compliance with social security protection requirements. "In addition, an integrated digital system is being developed to facilitate centralised coordination of gig workers' contribution registration data," he said in a written parliamentary reply. He said the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has introduced i-Saraan, a voluntary contribution scheme that provides gig workers the opportunity to contribute towards their retirement. "However, the decision on whether EPF contributions should be made mandatory for gig workers falls under the purview of the Finance Ministry," he said. On minimum income rates for gig workers, Sim said it is the duty of the Gig Consultative Council to oversee the matter. "The function of this council is to advise and make recommendations to the government regarding minimum income rates, the formula for determining enforcement dates, order reviews, and other matters relating to gig workers and contracting entities. "This council will operate on a tripartite basis, involving representatives of gig workers, employers or platform providers, and the government," he said. He was responding to a question from Datuk Dr Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN-Pengkalan Chepa) on the matter. Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said the bill would be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat for its first reading on Aug 14, with the second reading scheduled for Aug 26. However, the bill has yet to be tabled due to a last-minute delay. Last week, Sim reportedly assured that the bill would still be tabled this month.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
FINAS allocates RM2 million to boost Sarawak creative productions
KUCHING: The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) has disbursed more than RM2 million to support Sarawak-based producers in showcasing their creative works nationally and globally. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching revealed that RM1.55 million was granted through the Borneo TV Programme Fund, RM421,000 via the Post-Production Fund, and RM139,000 under the Marketing and Exhibition Fund. She stated, 'In addition, the initiative also aims to enrich local broadcast content and drive strategic collaboration between industry players and broadcasters, while highlighting local identity through high-quality creative works.' Eight Sarawak production firms received Letters of Acceptance for the Borneo TV Programme Fund to develop 90-minute telemovies or telefilms. The approved companies include Sahabat Qitmir Sdn Bhd, Broad Vision Solutions Sdn Bhd, Lightcube Studio Sdn Bhd, Reka Dinamik Sdn Bhd, Pixbugs Film Sdn Bhd, Ensyio Crates Sdn Bhd, Spektrum Cahaya Sdn Bhd, and Apro Prima Sdn Bhd. Teo added that three Sarawak producers secured the Post-Production Fund, while one benefitted from the Marketing and Exhibition Fund. She emphasised that the special Borneo category enables productions in both the national language and local ethnic languages, preserving cultural heritage. 'This ensures local works can not only be showcased nationally but also penetrate international markets,' she concluded. - Bernama
Barnama
a day ago
- Barnama
FINAS Channels Over RM2 Mln To Support Sarawak Producers' Creative Works
KUCHING, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) has channelled over RM2 million in funding to producers in Sarawak to ensure local creative works can be showcased at both the national and international levels, said Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching. She said of the total, RM1.55 million was allocated under the Borneo TV Programme Fund, RM421,000 for the Post-Production Fund and RM139,000 for the Marketing and Exhibition Fund. 'In addition, the initiative also aims to enrich local broadcast content and drive strategic collaboration between industry players and broadcasters, while highlighting local identity through high-quality creative works,' she told reporters after presenting letters for these funds at the FINAS Sarawak office here today.
