Kuala Lumpur:An initiative to provide free legal advisory services and bankruptcy assistance has been launched to support the welfare and rights of practitioners in Malaysia's creative industry.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) Chairman, Datuk Dr. Hans Isaac, announced a strategic collaboration with the Malaysian Department of Insolvency (MDI) under the Second Chance Policy. This collaboration aims to protect arts practitioners facing financial and legal challenges.
Hans Isaac expressed gratitude to Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), for her role in realizing this initiative. He highlighted his personal understanding of the industry's struggles, drawing from his experience as an actor, director, writer, and producer.
The Art, Popularity, and Financial Survival Forum, co-organized by MDI and FINAS, served as the platform for this announcement. The event was attended by key figures, including FINAS CEO Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib and MDI Deputy Director General Abu Bakar Manat.
Hans Isaac noted that many industry players have encountered contract, insolvency, or legal issues, with high legal costs often preventing them from seeking necessary advice. The first phase of FINAS' initiative will prioritize those in urgent need of legal assistance, with plans to extend support to around 30,000 creative industry workers nationwide.
In an effort to ensure comprehensive dissemination of assistance information, FINAS will utilize the network of 19 associations under the Malaysian Film Associations Federation (GAFEMA). This approach aims to facilitate organized and effective communication and support.
Hans also mentioned plans to consolidate all associations under GAFEMA at the FINAS Hulu Kelang Complex in the first quarter of the upcoming year, enhancing management and coordination within the industry. He encouraged artists to take full advantage of the initiative for information and rights protection.