Production house reaches out to peers and frontliners with food aid

Multimedia team members ready to distribute food aid to those affected by the pandemic.

A FOOD aid programme has been initiated to assist those in the film and television industry impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The programme by production company Multimedia was launched during the recent implementation of the enhanced movement control order in Selangor, and focused on crew involved in producing film and television content during the challenging period.

A total of 202 food packages were distributed in the first phase of the programme while the company is in the midst of preparing 300 packages for its second distribution.

The programme has gained the support of Iskandar Malaysia Studio (IMS) as well as fellow local and international film makers.

Its third phase is set to kick off soon.

Besides this, Mutimedia is working with the Malaysian Red Crescent Society Klang Chapter (MRCS) to sponsor and prepare around 500 hot meals daily for healthcare workers at vaccination and Covid-19 assessment centres, not forgetting the police and army personnel in the Klang district.

Multimedia group managing director Datuk Steven Lim Boon Siong said the film and television industry suffered huge losses when the first movement control order was implemented last year.

According to him, restrictions on production and recording schedules had badly affected production planning multiple times, resulting in various delays and ultimately the postponement of local productions.

This, he said, had greatly impacted production companies.

“Many film and television crews, including actors, work as freelancers.

“The movement restrictions have thus left production crew with no income during these difficult times.”

Lim said Multimedia was determined to help its peers facing hardship and convince them that the industry could overcome challenges brought on by the pandemic.

“Every individual involved in this industry is important.

“This aid will continue as long as there are still people to help. We welcome the public to join hands in helping any industry that is affected by the pandemic,” he added.

Lim described the hot meals initiative as a gesture of appreciation to frontliners.

“It was meaningful to see a multi-ethnic voluntary effort that included teachers, retirees, professionals from various industries, MRCS members and our staff getting together to cook, pack and deliver hot meals to frontliners,” he shared.

Those in the film and television business who need food aid can apply via Multimedia’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mmemalaysia.

The food distribution is limited to the Klang Valley.