PETALING JAYA: The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) will sponsor a total of 1,000 creative industry practitioners to open i-Saraan EPF accounts, says Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister said this will be available until September 2025, with priority given to those who do not have EPF accounts.
"One of the key initiatives driven by the Federation of Malaysian Film Associations (Gafema) and Finas is the Pelindung program, a comprehensive effort to provide social protection for art practitioners, especially freelancers, production crews and behind-the-scenes workers.
"Through strategic collaboration with PERKESO and Employees Provident Fund (EPF), art practitioners can now participate in the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme and i-Saraan EPF, without age limits – a long-term investment in their future and welfare," he said in a speech at Finas' Hari Raya Muhibbah gathering at a hotel here on Tuesday (April 22).
Fahmi said the initiative is not just about building retirement savings but also to send a clear message that the Madani government does not neglect those working behind the scenes to build the industry.
He added that the creative industry town hall session organised by Finas on Tuesday morning provided a space for open discussion on proposed amendments to the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia Act 1981 and its subsidiary legislation.
"The amendments aim to align the law with current technological developments, especially with the emergence and rapid growth of over-the-top (OTT) platforms and digital streaming, which are increasingly dominating how consumers access film and media content," he said.
He said the amendments would focus on expanding the regulatory scope of Finas, strengthen its governance and enhance the effectiveness of Finas' core functions to remain relevant and progressive.
The amendments are targeted to be tabled in Parliament by July 2025.
The event also marked the official launch of Gafema, which was established on Aug 21, 2023.
Gafema is now officially recognised by Finas as the main umbrella body for the film industry.
He said Gafema is a collective entity that champions the rights, welfare, and development of the industry.
