"Applications for assistance can be made by contacting the Finas welfare committee," she said, adding that while no specific allocation was set aside for the programme, Finas had collaborated with strategic partners to provide support.
"Through the Industry Affairs Committee, we've partnered with organisations to offer contributions, including cash donations and food assistance, as a gesture of appreciation and to foster unity within the film industry community," she said at a press conference today.
Teo said this following her visit to veteran actor Sathia Periasamy, known for his role in the popular sitcom Pi Mai Pi Mai Tang Tu, who is recovering from two strokes this year.
"This visit is part of our efforts to ease the burdens of arts community members, especially regarding health and welfare," she said.
Also present were Finas chairman Datuk Kamil Othman and Finas chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib.
Highlighting Finas' continued efforts to support self-employed industry workers, she said: "This year, Finas has taken several initiatives to ensure the welfare of those in the creative sector."
"We've signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Perkeso and EPF, and as of Dec 20, 6,981 self-employed workers have registered for the programme, which includes 13 categories of creative professionals."
The programme supports a wide range of industry workers, including artists, buskers, photographers, actors, musicians, and more, highlighting Finas' commitment to the welfare of the creative arts community.