FINAS Should Set Up Animation Division To Boost Local Creative Industry - Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA, May 12 (Bernama) -- The Communications Ministry sees the establishment of an animation division within the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) as necessary to strengthen the local animation industry, which holds strong potential for the country’s creative economy.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the move is important, given that the local animation industry was once the preferred choice of international studios seeking the services of Malaysian animators to produce animated content.

“The contribution of the animation sector to the economy cannot be denied. Among the most famous and best-selling exports from Malaysia in Indonesia is Upin & Ipin. So, what do we need to do to ensure that not only Upin & Ipin, but also more intellectual property creations by local talent can be brought overseas?

“With the establishment of the animation division, which FINAS must develop... it is important because I see the animation sector - while it is digital content - as still falling under our purview, because anything to be screened in cinemas must obtain certification from FINAS,” he said at the ministry’s monthly assembly, here, today.

Fahmi said that during his meeting with the Animation Society of Malaysia (ANIMAS) last month, he was informed that about 5,000 of its members are currently facing challenging circumstances, due to a lack of job opportunities in the sector.

In this regard, he said the establishment of an animation division within FINAS should be expedited to examine and address related issues, while also developing the sector comprehensively.

He also instructed Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) director-general Ashwad Ismail to explore efforts to increase the number of animation titles so that job opportunities in the animation sector can continue to expand.

In another development, Fahmi said the process of acquiring and relocating FINAS’ new headquarters at Menara FINAS Damansara is currently being refined together with the Public Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) to ensure all project requirements are completed before the relocation takes place.

He added that several matters still need to be finalised, including technical specifications and certain administrative processes, which are expected to take some time.

“With close scrutiny by the Communications Ministry, particularly its Development Division, we will strive to expedite the process because this project has taken more than 12 years to be implemented,” he said, adding that the project had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as changes in specifications and current technology.

Commenting on the facilities at the new building, Fahmi said it comprises two main components, namely an office tower for staff and production studios.

He said the physical structure of the office tower is almost fully completed, but the studios have yet to be fully completed due to changes involving several equipment specifications, and the ministry hopes the relocation to the new premises can be realised by the end of this year.

-- BERNAMA