KUALA LUMPUR: A study is currently underway to explore introducing residual payments and rerun royalties for Malaysian actors whose works continue to generate revenue on television and streaming platforms, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
The Communications Ministry said the study, conducted by the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas), aims to ensure local performers receive fair financial returns when their productions are reused across TV reruns, streaming services, and international markets.
Under the current Copyright Act 1987, no specific legal mechanism exists for residual payments in audiovisual works, leaving actors' remuneration entirely dependent on individual contracts signed with producers or rights holders.
"The study will focus on three key aspects: legislation, industry ecosystem, and market practices," the ministry said in a written parliamentary reply on Wednesday (Oct 7).
On legislation, Finas will evaluate whether residuals should be enforced via statutory amendments, industry guidelines, or standardised contract templates. On industry and market fronts, the study will analyse current business models alongside the practices of international streaming platforms and distributors.
The ministry noted that Finas is collaborating with the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, alongside key industry bodies including the Federation of Malaysian Film Artistes Associations (Gafema), actors' groups, and producers' associations.
"This approach is crucial to ensure that while actors receive a fairer share of economic benefits, the mechanism does not undermine the commercial viability or competitiveness of the local creative industry," the ministry added.
The reply was in response to Kalam Salan (PN-Sabak Bernam), who asked if the government planned to implement a residual payment or rerun royalty framework for Malaysian actors.
