PERMATANG PAUH: The Communications Ministry is prepared to help legendary star, Datuk Sarimah Ahmad, following allegations that four original tapes of films produced by her company, Sarimah Film Productions, were stolen by a well-known individual.
Minister Fahmi Fadzil said he would arrange to meet with the 82-year-old soon.
He said he would study the matter to get more detailed information in efforts to resolve the issue.
"Of course there are challenges because this happened a long time ago.
"We also need specific details on who had met her and whether the individual can be reached.
"I will reach out to her soon to get more details," he told newsmen here today.
It was reported earlier today that after more than three decades of keeping silent, Sarimah finally spoke out about an incident that still brought tears to her eyes.
Despite having difficulty in sharing the memory, considering it was the hard work of both herself and her late husband, the famous actor Allahyarham Yusof Majid, Sarimah felt compelled to speak up.
The Studio Jalan Ampas film star from Singapore alleged that four original tapes of films produced by her company, Sarimah Film Productions, were stolen by a well-known individual.
Fahmi is of the view that artists in this country not only need to be given attention regarding welfare issues but should be guided in the aspect of legal literacy.
He said his ministry would work on several modules or classes involving the non-governmental organisations to increase the artists's understanding on the matter in future.
"Many may have signed documents or contracts that bind them. In my meeting with (composer) Ross Ariffin, for example, he also raised issues related to copyright.
"In the case of (Datuk) Sarimah, since it is a specific matter involving a contract between two parties, I need understanding in this case.
"Insya Allah, we will try to see what we can do to help her," he added.