How do the amendments address emerging technological developments like OTT?

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Amendments to Finas Act 1981 Align with Digital Advancements, Including OTT Platforms

The amendments to the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) Act 1981, passed as the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Amendment) Bill 2025, are designed to integrate the existing legislation with current technological shifts, notably the rise of digital over-the-top (OTT) platforms. These changes aim to ensure that Finas' regulatory framework remains relevant and supportive of the film industry's long-term growth in the digital age. The legislation clarifies that while video-on-demand (VOD) platforms are part of the broader content landscape, OTT providers themselves are not subject to Finas licensing requirements.
Scope of Finas Regulation on Digital Platforms

For digital platforms, the amendments delineate that Finas' purview extends specifically to film production and distribution activities. Exhibition, or the showcasing of content, falls under Finas' regulatory authority only if a VOD licence has been issued under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. This distinction clarifies the boundaries of Finas' oversight in the digital content ecosystem, focusing on the creation and dissemination of films rather than their mere display through specific channels.
Broadened Definition of Commercial Production and Distribution

The amendments reinforce that Act 244, the Finas Act 1981, now comprehensively covers all forms of commercial production and distribution. This includes content such as films, dramas, documentaries, animations, and advertisements, regardless of whether they are presented on traditional media like television and cinemas or through newer channels like OTT platforms and social media. This ensures that a wider range of industry activities falls under the established legal framework.
Ensuring a Professional and Safe Production Ecosystem

The government has emphasized that these amendments are not intended to stifle creative expression. Instead, their primary objective is to foster a production environment that is safer, more organised, and professional. In conjunction with these legislative changes, Finas is set to introduce detailed subsidiary regulations. These will address crucial aspects for industry workers, including protections for crew welfare, standardisation of contracts, guarantees for payments, job security, and insurance coverage, such as through the Social Security Organisation (Socso).

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How do the amendments address emerging technological developments like OTT?

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