Communications Ministry Willing To Facilitate Artistes' Aid Applications – Teo

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- The Communications Ministry is prepared to help coordinate monthly aid applications to the Social Welfare Department (JKM) for artistes who suffer permanent disabilities and require long-term support.

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said that although the assistance provided by the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) is one-off, the ministry remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of artistes through collaboration with relevant agencies.

“If there are emergency cases, such as permanent disability requiring monthly assistance, we have no issue helping to liaise with JKM, as that falls under their jurisdiction. FINAS can still consider helping with applications in exceptional cases like this,” she said.

She was speaking at a press conference after visiting two veteran artistes — comedian and actor Sathia Periasamy, 61, better known as Sathiya, at Ampang Hospital, and Nico G group member Mohd Shah Rosli, 50, or Dino, at his home, as part of the Ziarah Seni MADANI FINAS programme.

Also present were FINAS chairman Datuk Hans Isaac, chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib and chairman of FINAS Industry Affairs, Welfare and Data Committee Rozaidi Abd Jamil.

Teo said 163 artistes have received welfare aid under the programme since 2024, including festive season assistance from January up to today.

Sathiya, well known for his role as Ravi in the sitcom Pi Mai Pi Mai Tang Tu, is receiving treatment in hospital after undergoing surgery to amputate three parts of his left foot, including the big toe, due to a recent infection.

Dino is recuperating at home after suffering a stroke on the right side of his body three weeks ago while at work, which led to him being rushed to the hospital.

Both artistes received cash aid and essential supplies to help ease the burden of their health and financial challenges.

“This aid is not only from the ministry but also from several other parties, to be channelled to artistes in need as a show of concern and support for the contributions of those in the creative industry,” Teo said.

-- BERNAMA