Are personal video creators required to register companies for Finas?

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Personal Video Creators Are Not Explicitly Required to Register Companies for Finas Licensing Under Current Interpretation

Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah has clarified that the existing National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) Act of 1981, which mandates licensing for film producers, was drafted before the advent of social media technologies like TikTok and YouTube. While the Act currently applies to all film producers, including those releasing content on social media, the requirement for personal video creators to register companies with a paid-up capital of RM50,000, as suggested by some PH lawmakers, is not explicitly detailed in the current law or clarified by the minister as a direct mandate for individual social media content creators. The ministry acknowledges the Act needs refinement to suit current needs and welcomes suggestions for amendment.
Existing Law Mandates Licensing for All Film Producers

The National Film Development Corporation Act, enacted in 1981, requires all film producers to obtain a licence from Finas before releasing their content. This includes a provision for seven days' prior notice before filming. The minister stated that this existing law was applied by previous and current governments and that his remarks were an explanation of this established legislation, not an introduction of new restrictions.
Ambiguity Regarding Company Registration for Social Media Content

Concerns were raised by PH lawmakers Gobind Singh Deo and Fahmi Fadzil, who suggested that individuals producing video content for personal use on social media might be subject to licensing requirements that necessitate establishing companies with a paid-up capital of RM50,000. However, the provided information does not confirm whether this specific company registration and capital requirement is being enforced or is intended for individual content creators on platforms like TikTok or YouTube, given the Act's original context predates these technologies.
Ministry Acknowledges Need for Act Review

The Ministry acknowledges that the 1981 Act requires fine-tuning to align with contemporary technological advancements and societal changes. Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah indicated that the ministry is in the process of reviewing all laws under its purview, including the Finas Act, and is open to suggestions for amendments to ensure these laws remain relevant and do not impede personal freedoms, particularly concerning social media.
No Intention to Obstruct Social Media Freedom

Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah explicitly stated that the Perikatan Nasional government has no intention of obstructing personal freedom on social media. He emphasized that the Act was drafted at a time when social media technology did not exist and that the government does not intend to use the Act to stifle expression or creativity on these platforms.

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Are personal video creators required to register companies for Finas?

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