Kuala Lumpur: The National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) will sponsor the opening of i-Saraan accounts under the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) for 1,000 Malaysian arts and creative industry workers, aiming to enhance social protection and retirement savings for those working behind the scenes.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced that the initiative is available until September 2025, prioritizing individuals without an EPF account. “This initiative not only paves the way for retirement savings, but it also sends a clear message that the MADANI Government does not neglect those who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to build the industry,” he remarked during his speech at FINAS’ Hari Raya event.
Fahmi emphasized that the sponsorship is part of a significant initiative led by the Federation of Malaysian Film Associations (GAFEMA) and FINAS, known as the PELINDUNG Programme. This comprehensive effort aims to provide social protection for creative workers, particularly freelancers, production crews, and backstage personnel. Through strategic collaboration with the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) and EPF, creative industry workers can now enroll in both the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (under Act 789) and i-Saraan, without age restrictions, ensuring a long-term investment in the welfare of the creative community.
During the event, Fahmi also officially launched GAFEMA, which was established on August 21, 2023, and is recognized by FINAS as the industry’s main association. He highlighted that GAFEMA unites over 16 groups representing various sectors within the industry, including producers, directors, technical workers, animators, scriptwriters, and post-production specialists, advocating for their rights, welfare, and growth.
“I also welcome the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between GAFEMA and FINAS as a commitment to strengthen industry policies,” Fahmi added.
Notable attendees at the event included Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, FINAS chairman Datuk Hans Isaac, FINAS CEO Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) CEO Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, director-general of Broadcasting Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman, and Tun Abdul Razak Broadcasting and Information Institute (IPPTAR) director Roslan Ariffin.
Meanwhile, Azmir Saifuddin announced that eligible arts practitioners interested in opening an i-Saraan EPF account can apply through FINAS and GAFEMA starting today. “The minimum contribution is RM50, but for this special initiative, FINAS will cover the balance for the first 1,000 accounts. We are grateful to EPF, and this initiative is a direct result of our MoU from last year,” Azmir stated.