KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Film Association Federation (Gafema), which represents seven associations of the creative industry has given the thumbs-up to 2024 Budget which was tabled in Parliament by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last Friday.
Gafema comprises the Malaysian Film Producers' Association (PFM), Persatuan Seniman Malaysia (Seniman), the Malaysian Professional Film Workers' Association (Profima), the Malaysian Indian Entertainers' Welfare Association (Mewa), the Creative Content Association of Malaysia (CCAM), the Post-Production, Animation and Creative Content Association of Malaysia (Postam) and the Malaysian Animation Association (Animas).
Gafima president Pancharam Nalliah or Pansha said in a statement on Saturday that they were thankful to the Prime Minister and the government for their commitment to strengthen the country's creative industry.
"Budget 2024 will greatly help the growth of the country's arts and culture, which play an important role in nation-building. The budget has lots of good incentives to take the industry in the right direction," said Pansha.
He added that the RM60 million allocated to the Digital Content Fund (DKD) to promote Malaysian films that carry patriotic themes would increase job opportunities, while the RM90 million under the Film In Malaysia Incentive (Fimi) would encourage the production of world class films and make the country an international filming hub.
"The lower tax rates from zero to 10 per cent for foreign film companies will attract more of them to film in Malaysia. The 10 per cent reduction in entertainment duties for concerts and film screenings in Selangor and the Federal Territories should be emulated by other states."
Pansha also said that the previous 25 per cent entertainment duty had been among the highest in the world.
"We welcome the return of Anugerah Seni Negara, an annual event to recognise great achievers who have dedicated their lives to the arts. We must always honour the heroes of the industry."
Pansha also thanked Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil and his deputy Teo Nie Ching for their seriousness in helping resolve longstanding problems faced by the creative industry.