KUALA LUMPUR: Films will soon be defined to include over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms, social media and content produced using artificial intelligence (AI) under amendments to the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) Act.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the new definition reflects changes in technology and modern content consumption patterns.
The amendments will ensure that all types of content, including those on OTT platforms, social media and created by AI, are covered by the Act.
Teo made these remarks on Wednesday (Dec 3).
She said the amendment Bill, tabled for a second reading on Wednesday (Dec 3), was drafted with direct feedback from industry practitioners.
"Key issues frequently raised by industry players include the need to broaden business opportunities, create more jobs for Malaysians and implement skill-enhancement and local talent-development programmes more systematically," Teo said.
The amendment process also considered views from licence holders, film associations and online streaming providers through engagement sessions, town-hall meetings and stakeholder consultations.
She added that the amendment focuses on developing the content industry, especially in filming and commercial content production.
Under the Act, Finas is responsible for managing matters such as issuing the Filming Certificate (SPP), certifying Malaysian-made commercial advertisements for "Made in Malaysia" certification and registering filming activities for monitoring and policy planning.
Teo was responding to a question from Syerleena Abdul Rashid (Pakatan-Bukit Bendera) on whether the Ministry would consider industry and online streaming service providers’ views during the amendment to the Finas Act 1981.
Meanwhile, Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (Perikatan-Kuala Krai) asked whether action would be taken against platforms airing children’s entertainment programmes with inappropriate content, referring to the Santiago of the Seas cartoon, which was suspended due to LGBT content.
Teo replied that the Film Censorship Board is responsible for film content, while the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) content code covers digital and online content.
