What is the main goal of amending the Finas Act 1981?

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The Finas Act 1981 is being amended to strengthen Malaysia’s content industry and streamline how filming and commercial content are regulated.

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the proposed amendments to the Malaysian National Film Development Corporation (Finas) Act 1981 (Act 244) aim to strengthen the development of the content industry, particularly in relation to filming activities and commercial content production. She added that the changes are meant to streamline the industry’s structure so it can grow within an orderly, professional and competitive ecosystem, without limiting the creative space of content creators.
Finas will oversee filming and “Made in Malaysia” certification
Under the proposed amendments, Finas will manage and coordinate the issuance of Filming Certificates (SPP) and Malaysian Commercial Film Certificates for “Made in Malaysia” certification. This is part of tightening the way filming activities and commercial content production are organised.
Filming activity registration is introduced for monitoring and policy planning
The amendments will also introduce registration of filming activities. The purpose is to support monitoring and policy planning, linking day-to-day filming activity with how policies are shaped.
A broader legal definition of “film” will cover new platforms and formats
A new definition of “film” will be introduced to cover all types of content across various platforms. This includes online streaming services (OTT), social media content, and content produced using artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Industry feedback shaped the amendment scope
Teo said the amendment process took into account feedback from industry players, including licence holders, film associations, and online streaming service providers. Issues raised included expanding business opportunities and creating more employment for Malaysians, along with implementing local talent development and skills enhancement programmes more systematically.

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What is the main goal of amending the Finas Act 1981?

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