KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Association of Theme Parks and Family Attractions (MATFA) has called for a strategic partnership with the local film industry to transform Malaysian films and cultural stories into immersive, live family experiences.
MATFA President Tan Sri Richard Koh, in a statement on Wednesday (Aug 25), said theme parks and attractions serve as a natural extension for local cinema, allowing characters and narratives to endure beyond the silver screen through live shows and interactive attractions.
"Theme parks and family attractions can bring Malaysian films to life through shows and interactive experiences. Families would understand the stories much better and experience them in a completely different narrative," Koh said, noting that such collaborations would strengthen national identity while opening new avenues for younger generations.
Koh made the pitch following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call on Monday to grant the creative sector greater freedom to grow while staying anchored to local values. Speaking at the officiating of Menara FINAS in Damansara Damai, Anwar emphasised balancing a freer environment for artists with cultural roots, rejecting the notion that Malaysia must rely on Western models.
Endorsing the Prime Minister's vision, Koh urged the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) to act as a catalyst by fostering a broader creative ecosystem that integrates family entertainment.
However, MATFA cautioned that high taxation continues to hinder industry growth and public access. The association urged the Prime Minister to review and abolish the 73-year-old Entertainment Duty Act, citing it as a major financial barrier.
"The Entertainment Duty directly adds to the cost of tickets. Ultimately, the burden is on Malaysian families and visitors from the B40 and M40 groups," Koh warned, arguing that modernising the tax structure is essential to keeping cultural and creative content affordable for all Malaysians.
Koh reiterated MATFA’s readiness to collaborate with FINAS, the government, and industry stakeholders to build a cohesive ecosystem where creative content flows seamlessly from cinemas to physical family attractions.
