Kuala Lumpur:The exemption of entertainment duty on tickets for local films and theatre performances in the Federal Territories, as announced in Budget 2027, aims to encourage increased viewership of local productions, according to Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi stated that this measure would benefit cinema operators and positively impact the country's film industry ecosystem. The ministry plans to collaborate with the Malaysian Film Exhibitors Association to ensure that the duty exemption leads to reduced cinema ticket prices in the Federal Territories.
Fahmi emphasized that with the entertainment duty waived, ticket prices should decrease, encouraging more people to watch local films. He made these remarks following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's presentation of Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat.
He further mentioned that the Filming in Malaysia Incentive would support the industry's growth by enhancing local film production activities.
In related news, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching announced that the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) project, a joint effort between the Communications Ministry and the Health Ministry, will accelerate digital transformation in public healthcare. Supported by funding of up to RM1 billion from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, the project will modernize patient record management in government health facilities.
Teo noted that the EMR system had been piloted and would be rolled out comprehensively next year. Additionally, she welcomed Budget allocations of RM130 million for the creative industry and RM142 million for community networks, which aim to enhance the National Information Dissemination Centres and reduce the digital communications divide.
Teo also praised Budget measures such as the increase in Early Schooling Aid from RM150 to RM200 and the introduction of a RM2,500 allowance for Form Six students, highlighting that these initiatives could alleviate financial pressures on parents and students.