What prompted the clarification on Finas licensing rules?

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Clarification Issued Amidst Misinterpretation of Finas Licensing Requirements

Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah has clarified that the Perikatan Nasional government does not intend to restrict personal freedom on social media concerning remarks made about film producers needing a license from Finas. The confusion stemmed from inaccurate reporting of his parliamentary reply to Kluang MP Wong Shu Qi, which led to a misrepresentation of his statements. Saifuddin emphasized that his reference was to the existing National Film Development Corporation Act of 1981, a law previously utilized by both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan administrations.
Explanation of Existing Legislation

Saifuddin explained that his statement in Parliament was based on the National Film Development Corporation Act, enacted in 1981. This legislation has been consistently applied by previous governments. He acknowledged that the Act requires adjustments, particularly given that social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube were non-existent at the time of its drafting. The current government maintains that its intention is not to use this Act to curtail personal freedoms on social media.
Requirement for Film Production Licence

Earlier, Saifuddin had stated in the Dewan Rakyat that all film producers, including individuals, are required to obtain a Film Production Licence and a Film Shooting Certificate (SPP) from Finas before commencing any filming. The Act mandates a seven-day advance notice for filming activities, a requirement that also extends to content intended for release on social media platforms. The Ministry is currently undertaking a review of all laws under its purview and is open to suggestions for amendments.
Concerns Raised by Opposition Lawmakers

The licensing remarks had previously drawn concern from Pakatan Harapan lawmakers Gobind Singh Deo and Fahmi Fadzil. They expressed apprehension that even personal video content created for social media might be subject to licensing requirements, potentially necessitating the establishment of a company with a paid-up capital of RM50,000. These concerns were voiced following a controversial Al Jazeera documentary.
Context of Al Jazeera Documentary

The discussion around Finas licensing rules emerged in the wake of a documentary by Al Jazeera, titled Locked Up in Malaysia’s Lockdown, aired on July 3. The Malaysian government had criticized the documentary, describing it as biased and misleading in its portrayal of migrant workers during the movement control order. Al Jazeera, however, refuted Finas's claim of lacking the necessary license, asserting that its 101 East program does not fall under the definition of a film requiring such a permit.

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What prompted the clarification on Finas licensing rules?

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