Time for a review: Creative industry seeks more Budget 2027 support as TV production rates lag behind costs

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 3 — Malaysian creative industry stakeholders are urging the government to retain and augment existing funds and incentives in the upcoming Budget 2027, while also revising television programme production rates, which have remained stagnant for nearly four decades despite rising costs. The Malaysian Film Producers Association's deputy president, Datuk Dr Yusof Haslam, emphasized the importance of preserving the government's assistance to safeguard the industry's sustainability, urging the government to avoid cuts or any unfavorable changes.

Dr Yusof stressed that filmmakers must adhere to allocated budgets and utilize funds responsibly, not as a means to generate personal profits. The Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI) has reportedly bolstered international productions and provided essential aid to large-scale patriotic projects such as 'MALBATT: Misi Bakara'. However, television programme production rates, specifically those offered by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), require review to align with the escalating costs.

When questioned about the RM10 million allocation for TVET Madani Creative Multimedia programmes, producer Nazira Ibrahim advocated for a shift towards practical training on film sets over theoretical education, aiming to cultivate highly skilled professionals across various roles in the industry, not merely those in front of or behind the camera. Budget 2027 is set to be presented in Parliament on October 9.