KUALA LUMPUR: Art associations are hopeful that the 2025 budget, to be presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, will include a significant increase in funding for the creative arts industry.
Persatuan Seniman Malaysia president (Seniman), Zed Zaidi, believes that a larger allocation would mirror the government's call to use South Korea's thriving film industry as a model for growth.
"In South Korea, their creative industry drives other sectors, particularly tourism. We hope to see similar growth here with a doubled allocation, from RM160 million last year to RM320 million in 2025," he told Berita Harian.
He explained that with greater government support, Malaysia could better promote its culture and locations through art, much like how South Korea has marketed its tourism industry.
"Larger budgets could enable us to create impressive film sets in scenic locations across Malaysia, potentially turning those sets into tourist attractions, like the filming site of Lord of the Rings in New Zealand," he added.
Zed emphasised that the increased allocation would also benefit students currently studying film, ensuring they have job opportunities once they graduate.
"The government must create job opportunities for this next generation of filmmakers," he said.
Zed also expressed hope that the government would continue subsidising the Social Security Organisation's (Perkeso) contributions for industry workers, which began this year.
"This subsidy is vital for the 4,500 workers benefiting from it. If continued, it will protect the future of the creative industry," Zed said.
Meanwhile, Film Directors Association of Malaysia (FDAM) chairman, Datuk Afdlin Shauki, added that the industry's growth also depends on improved infrastructure.
He advocated for more indoor and outdoor studios, similar to those in South Korea.
"They have extensive studio sets equipped with state-of-the-art technology, making it easier to shoot complex scenes," Afdlin said.
He also called for the government to provide incentives for both new talent and established filmmakers like U-Wei Shaari, whose work has garnered global recognition.
"Supporting filmmakers financially would allow them to create films that elevate Malaysia's name internationally," he said.
Afdlin also urged the government to empower other entertainment sectors, including music, broadcasting, and media, as they play a key role in stimulating the economy.
"If there's a package that generates jobs and makes the process enjoyable, it will certainly be welcomed," he concluded.
The 2024 budget allocated RM160 million for various initiatives to support local creative talent, with RM60 million for promoting national values in the arts and RM90 million for the Film Production Incentive in Malaysia (FIMI) to encourage world-class productions.
RM10 million was for the MyCreative Matching Fund Scheme in an effort to support artistes to produce creative projects.