KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is set to acquire a state-of-the-art production facility in the next two years.
The Borneo Media Centre of Excellence, to be established by the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas), aims to support the state's filmmakers in improving their productions.
Finas chairman Datuk Kamil Othman said the facility is expected to be operational by 2026 and acknowledged the longstanding issue of inadequate infrastructure faced by local filmmakers.
"Funds have already been allocated, and we are now awaiting the budget to proceed with developing the centre in Kota Kinabalu," Kamil said.
He added that the centre has been included in Finas' planning under the 13th Malaysia Plan, which lays the groundwork for future growth.
Kamil expressed optimism that once the project is successful, private companies would step in to invest in specialised post-production facilities, further boosting the local film industry.
In addition to post-production services, Finas plans to establish a centre by 2025 offering advanced filming equipment, such as cameras and lighting, allowing local filmmakers to access modern tools for their projects.
To further support the industry, Finas will introduce training programmes covering crucial areas such as accounting, auditing, copyright, and script development, ensuring Sabah's filmmakers are equipped with both creative and professional expertise.
