LONG working hours and a lack of protection pose ongoing challenges for parts of Malaysia’s creative industry.
Addressing such issues is crucial to ensuring the industry remains a safe and attractive career choice for the next generation, says National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib.
He was responding to complaints that went viral on social media platform Threads alleging that excessive overtime practices were still occurring in certain productions.
“The agency has received reports regarding allegations of excessive overtime in film and television productions and has instructed its licensing enforcement team to investigate the matter,” Azmir told reporters during the Celebrating Malaysian Veteran Artists event at INTI International College Subang on July 7.
He stressed that Finas does not want such practices to be ignored, as prolonged working hours could pose serious safety and welfare risks to cast and crew.
“To students who are interested in film, you should know your rights, especially those protected under Finas,” he said.
Azmir added that Finas has a formal complaints mechanism, allowing reports to be submitted via email at pembanteras@finas.my.
The agency also has trained investigation officers to look into every complaint received.
Organised by students from INTI’s School of Business and Communication in collaboration with Finas, the event was part of a corporate social responsibility initiative, where students distributed food baskets to veteran artistes in recognition of their contributions to Malaysia’s film industry.
The event also featured a dialogue session with Azmir and Veteran Artistes Welfare Association of Malaysia president Sandakiah Azez, who shared insights into the evolution of Malaysian cinema, the industry’s current landscape and the importance of preserving the legacy of veteran artistes.
Speaking on challenges faced by veteran artistes, Sandakiah said they should be given greater opportunities to take on age-appropriate roles.
“If a character is meant to be in their 50s or 60s, they should cast actors who are actually in that age group instead of using someone in their 30s or 40s and relying on makeup to make them look older,” she said.
Beyond acting, she noted that veteran artistes must also constantly adapt to stay relevant in an increasingly competitive entertainment industry.
“Every week or month, there are new singers and shows, so they have to compete with younger talents for opportunities.
“That’s why we have our own initiatives. We apply for grants and organise our own events. We sell tickets and tables to sustain these events, although it’s certainly not an easy task,” she said.
Sandakiah added that public support plays a crucial role in ensuring veteran artistes continue receiving the recognition and assistance they deserve.
“I urge the public, including students and the general public, to always support all the initiatives done by us that support veteran artistes in terms of welfare, health and so on,” she said.
