Kuala Lumpur: The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) today held a town hall session for the creative industry to facilitate open discussions on proposed amendments to the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia Act 1981 (Act 244). Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the session was organised to gather feedback from industry players as the ministry works to update the act to reflect the changes of the modern era.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the session addressed the evolving nature of filming processes, which are no longer limited to traditional films, and the shift in how audiences consume content, including through social media platforms and mobile phones. The amendments aim to ensure better governance, regulation, and management within FINAS, aligning with current technological trends such as the rise of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms and digital streaming services.

Fahmi outlined that the amendments would focus on expanding regulatory scope, strengthening governance, and enhancing the functions of FINAS to remain relevant and effective in the modern broadcasting landscape. This includes official recognition of digital platforms and clearly recognising the roles and rights of industry players.

The amendments are targeted to be tabled in Parliament as early as July or by the end of the year. Fahmi emphasized that these changes would provide a strong foundation for the creative industry to progress systematically. He also addressed comments by Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim regarding the PKR elections, stating that Hassan’s remarks were his personal opinion.

Also present at the session were several key figures, including Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, FINAS chairman Datuk Hans Isaac, and others, highlighting the importance of the discussions in shaping the future of Malaysia’s creative industry.