Kuala Lumpur: The draft amendment to the Perbadanan Kemajuan Filem Nasional Malaysia Act 1981 (Act 244) is in the final stage of preparation and is expected to be submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) for review this week. National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib announced this development, emphasizing the importance of updating the act to align with contemporary technological advancements and shifts in content production.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the proposed amendment aims to accommodate new business models, especially those involving online transactions and content distribution via streaming platforms, social media, and other digital channels. Datuk Azmir highlighted the need to protect industry workers, particularly crew members and employees, through regulations that uphold their rights. Additionally, the amendment seeks to empower producers by enhancing their ability to monetize intellectual property (IP) and increase revenue.

Datuk Azmir provided these insights following an engagement session with academicians from public and private higher institutions, including the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), and Taylor’s University. He emphasized that similar sessions would continue to gather input and feedback from academics and industry members.

He raised concerns about the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on intellectual property rights, noting that AI-related activities might occur beyond Malaysia’s borders with servers located elsewhere. This situation poses questions regarding the ownership of IP rights. Previously, on March 19, it was reported that the Cabinet had approved, in principle, amendments to the Perbadanan Kemajuan Filem Nasional Malaysia Act 1981.