FINAS, JTK Collaborate To Monitor Compliance By Film, Drama Producers
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 13 (Bernama) -- The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) will collaborate with the Department of Labour (JTK) to monitor compliance with regulations governing film and drama production in the country.
FINAS chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib said the collaboration would include conducting surprise visits to film and drama shooting locations.
"I was contacted by JTK Director-General Kamal Pardi yesterday, and he proposed this collaboration. Together, we will conduct on-site inspections to enforce regulations, including verifying employment contracts, ensuring child permits are obtained - since these must go through JTK - and addressing payment issues for production crews," he told Bernama today.
Azmir said this in response to the delayed release of the action film ‘Strike: Silat Cult Master’, which was supposed to be released today.
He said the release of the film was delayed due to the failure of the production company, Katana Film Sdn Bhd, owned by Mallory Lee, to pay its 50 crew members, including the cast in the film.
FINAS has directed 45 cinemas nationwide to postpone the release of the film today.
According to Azmir, the issue was among matters discussed in a meeting between FINAS and several associations in the industry, including the Malaysian Publishers Association, the Malaysian TV Producers Association and the Professional Film Workers' Association of Malaysia (PROFIMA) yesterday.
He said JTK also offered FINAS to use the department's advisory and legal services to resolve issues related to production workers’ salaries, employer practices in managing employees, and other labor-related matters.
Elaborating on yesterday’s meeting, Azmir said efforts were also made to tighten the application process for the Filming Certificate Certificate (SPP) for all film producers including those producing commercials in Malaysia.
"As part of the permit approval conditions, we want to ensure that if a production receives complaints—whether related to crew treatment or project content—FINAS has the authority to take action, including withholding the film from being screened,” he said.
He said also discussed at the meeting was a proposal for FINAS to establish a tribunal to hear opinions, suggestions, and complaints from various stakeholders, including representatives from agencies and film industry associations.
"FINAS has already proposed this initiative, and it will be presented to the FINAS board for approval," he added.
-- BERNAMA
