KUALA LUMPUR: The National Film Development Corporation (Finas) recently announced an improvement on the Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI) programme that has taken effect since April 9.
The decision was made during a Corporation Members meeting led by Finas chairman Zakaria Abdul Hamid, last week which involves the domestic and international sectors.
In a recent statement, Finas said that for the domestic sector, there would be a change in the Qualifying Malaysian Production Expenditure (QMPE) group where three categories had been narrowed down to just one, which involved a minimum expenditure of RM1 million in order to be considered for a 30 per cent cash rebate.
"Aside from that, it was also agreed upon to lower the QMPE for post-productions from RM500,000 to RM250,000 for each project to be considered for a 30 per cent cash rebate.
"The allocation of a further rebate or 'cultural test' for productions that feature a national or patriotic genre was greenlit as well," it said.
Finas added that for the international sector, the QMPE for post-productions had been lowered from RM1.5 million to RM1 million for each project to be considered for a 30 per cent cash rebate.
"An additional rebate or 'cultural test' would also be given for productions that feature local cultural values or traditional elements in the works that are being made.
"Further details on the matter are available on the official Finas website at www.finas.gov.my," it said.
Finas also announced an offering of National Grants under the Pelan Langkah Segera Ekonomi Industri Kreatif (PELAKSANA) 3.0 initiative to produce drama series and superteles through a strategic partnership with government broadcast station Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).
"The offer will be open to receive applications beginning April 26," it said.
Due to the recent increase of Covid-19 cases, Finas reminded all production companies carrying out filming activities to adhere to the various guidelines and SOP issued by the National Security Council (MKN).
"This covers disease prevention protocols, health screenings, sanitisation of premises, physical distancing and safety procedures for crew, as well as emergency response," it said.
The statement also mentioned that Finas has approved the rental rates of its production services and facilities at its premises in Sarawak for public use to liven up the creative industry sector in the state from April 26 onwards.
Applications to rent can be made via the official website of Finas at www.finas.gov.my.