KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10:- The RM140 million allocation to the creative sector under Budget 2026 is regarded as a major catalyst for the growth of the local arts industry and for creating more job opportunities for its practitioners.
Malaysian Artistes Association (Seniman) chairman Rozaidi Abdul Jamil, better known as Zed Zaidi, said the funding reflected the government’s strong commitment to ensuring the creative industry remained a key contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) while strengthening the development of the digital creative ecosystem, which benefitted thousands of workers in the arts sector.
“When a producer makes a film, not only do the actors get work, but also cameramen, lighting crews, make-up artists and sound technicians. The same goes for concerts — they create opportunities for musicians, singers and technical staff,” he said.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, while tabling Budget 2026, announced an allocation of RM110 million as incentives for local and international film producers, including RM10 million for nationhood-themed content.
In addition, RM10 million was set aside for organising concerts by local and international artistes in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, while RM20 million was allocated to support the digital creative ecosystem, particularly in animation and digital gaming.
Zed Zaidi also lauded the government’s decision to allocate RM20 million for the development of the digital creative ecosystem encompassing areas such as animation and artificial intelligence (AI), which he believed would encourage youth to pursue creative careers rooted in modern technology.
“The creative field is no longer limited to the stage or films. With the rise of new technologies like AI, this allocation will help young people develop world-class animation and digital content,” he said.
He also suggested that the government reconsider providing specific allocations for the welfare of registered artistes and performers through arts-based non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as was previously implemented.
Meanwhile, Film Directors’ Association of Malaysia (FDAM) chairman Datuk Afdlin Shauki said the increased funding for the creative sector this year was significantly higher than in previous years and would greatly assist producers in continuing their work amid economic challenges.
“The funding announced this year, as promised, is higher than before and will help producers keep creating despite the current economic difficulties,” he said.
Afdlin said the RM10 million allocation for nationhood films was a wise move as the genre not only carried historical value and fostered patriotism, but also strengthened Malaysia’s cultural identity on the silver screen.
“Nationhood films may not always bring commercial returns, but they are vital as a tribute to our nation’s history. Films like Mat Kilau have proven that with proper budgeting and professional execution, they can be successful,” he said.
He also emphasised the need for greater focus on developing stronger production infrastructure to elevate the quality of local art and film to international standards.
“If we had permanent sets such as palaces or miniature towns that could be reused, like in China or South Korea, our production quality would rise. Comprehensive and reusable infrastructure would save time and costs while allowing filmmakers to focus on quality and creativity,” he said.
Meanwhile, Recording Industry Association of Malaysia (RIM) chairman Rosmin Hashim said the RM10 million incentive for organising local and international concerts was a positive move, but modest compared with the sector’s huge economic potential.
“The RM10 million incentive for concert organisers is relatively modest considering the huge positive multiplier effect that investments by concert promoters have on the Malaysian economy. The government needs to take a longer-term approach in allocating funding for the live entertainment scene and the broader music industry,” he said.
He added that the disbursement of the funds should be balanced to ensure both local and international concert organisers benefitted.
— BERNAMA