40 production companies get RM13.9 million from Finas

Some 40 production companies have received offer letters for funds totalling RM13.927 million from the National Film Development Corporation’s (Finas) Digital Content Fund (DKD) under the Creative Industry Immediate Economic Action Plan (Pelaksana).

Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said DKD aims to help strengthen the creative industry affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said its objective is to regenerate the country’s creative industry economy through cooperation with the private sector, involving local television and broadcasting stations, and increase ownership of copyright content among local publishers for future profit generation.

“I hope that all DKD recipients can produce quality creative work as well as revitalise this industry in line with our common goal of moving on to the international stage,” he said at an online ceremony of the handover the Pelaksana DKD offer letters today.

Also present were Finas chairman Zakaria Abdul Hamid and its CEO Ahmad Idham Ahmad Nadzri.

Saifuddin said the communications and multimedia ministry through Finas had always supported and assisted industry players, particularly through the Pelaksana initiative, to ensure that the creative industry continues to grow despite being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

As such, he said every industry player should make use of the opportunity given to further develop the country’s film industry.

Saifuddin also voiced hope that through the 12th Malaysia Plan to be launched next year, the government will allocate RM550 million for DKD to boost the creative industry including film, music and animation.