KUALA LUMPUR, November 20 — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil hopes linking Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions to government-funded creative projects will enhance social security for entertainment workers. At the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) and EPF, Fahmi emphasized the importance of safeguarding financial stability for those in the film and creative sectors, many of whom operate as freelancers without long-term benefits.
The initiative will require government-backed projects under Finas and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) to include EPF contributions for workers, aiming to address the low enrolment rates in the creative industry. Currently, only six per cent of Malaysia’s estimated 70,000 creative workers are enrolled in EPF. Fahmi expressed optimism that, with awareness campaigns led by Finas, unions, and associations, 50 per cent of industry workers would adopt the scheme within two years.
Additionally, Fahmi acknowledged concerns about the RM40 million allocation for the Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI) and pledged to seek increased funding to drive international collaborations and economic growth.
