The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) will continue to take initiatives to support and assist the country's creative industry through a committee to ensure the welfare and affairs of those involved in the creative industry.

FINAS chairman Datuk Kamil Othman said the committee chaired by Persatuan Seniman Malaysia (SENIMAN) president Rozaidi Abdul Jamil or better known as Zed Zaidi will ensure the distribution of the assistance in a systematic way through data obtained.

'FINAS is always aware of the creative industry practitioners who need direct assistance or not. We are aware that assistance was given on an ad-hoc basis. Therefore, we want to provide assistance through a more organised and systematic way,' he said after launching a programme to contribute assistance to the creative industry players.

He said the committee would also work with Gabungan Persatuan Perfileman Malaysia (GAFEMA) which has 11 associations involved in the creative industry to channel and share information on the welfare of individuals, associations and related bodies that are involved in the creative industry to synergise the procedures.

'The main objective of the committee is also to ensure those involved in the industry can be united, so the best option is to register with FINAS. Once registered with FINAS and records exist, it will ease the process of providing assistance,' he said.

Meanwhile, Zed Zaidi said so far 100 creatve industry players have received assistance through the programme and the committee expect more assistance to be provided after receiving data and records from GAFEMA.

'For 2024 we already have plans to identify those offered assistance, because in FINAS we are not only focused on artists but we also focus on crew, directors, producers and those involved in other categories under FINAS,' he said adding that the committee was ready to work with the Civil Defence Force to assist those involved in the creative industry but affected by the North East Monsoon.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency