Ziarah Seni MADANI Assists 216 Arts Practitioners Since 2023 - Teo

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 (Bernama) -- A total of 216 local creative industry practitioners have benefited from the Ziarah Seni MADANI programme implemented by the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) since 2023, receiving assistance amounting to RM164,256 as of June 10 this year.

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the number of recipients increased from eight in 2023, who received RM10,900, to 49 in 2024 with allocations totalling RM47,000.

“In 2025, the programme recorded the highest number of recipients, with 123 industry practitioners receiving RM82,000 in assistance.

“As of June 10 this year, 36 recipients have received aid amounting to RM24,356,” she told reporters after visiting and presenting assistance to veteran actor, comedian and host Mohammad Salih Yaacob at his residence in Desa Pandan here today.

Also present were FINAS chairman Datuk Hans Isaac, FINAS board member and its Industry Affairs, Welfare and Data Committee chairman Rozaidi Abdul Jamil, and Information Department (JAPEN) deputy director-general (Digital Content) Erwin Khairul Ahmad.

Teo said the Communications Ministry and FINAS remain committed to assisting industry practitioners in need of welfare support.

“We welcome those who require assistance to contact FINAS. We will do our best to help and encourage them,” she said.

The Ziarah Seni MADANI@FINAS programme is an ongoing government initiative aimed at supporting the welfare of local artistes and veteran creative industry practitioners facing health or age-related challenges, while recognising their contributions to the industry.

Meanwhile, Salih Yaacob, 65, expressed appreciation to FINAS for its concern and support.

He said age and health issues have limited his mobility, but he has accepted the situation with an open heart.

Salih Yaacob began his career in 1980 with JAPEN’s Pentarama troupe before joining the Malaysian Army Orchestra. He later rose to prominence through RTM’s Mekar Sejambak after being discovered by producer Baharuddin Kadir.

During his career, he appeared in several popular films, including Jejaka Perasan, Mr. Os, Awang Spanar, Janda Meletup and Konstabel Mamat.

He also established himself as a radio personality, hosting Sinar FM’s Sinar Pagi and Santai Sinar programmes from 2006 to 2019.

-- BERNAMA