KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 22 — The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) has been urged to make it mandatory for all individuals involved in the film industry, particularly freelancers, to be a member of a film association to ensure that they receive protection under the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) scheme.
Malaysian Television Producers Association president Datuk Jurey Latiff Rosli said in the past FINAS had implemented this membership requirement, stipulating that all artistes must be part of an association that is recognised by the corporation.
“During that period, this was enforced when companies applied for theFilming Authentication Certificate (SPP) before filming a drama or movie.
“I have also pursued this matter with FINAS chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Kamil Othman, and he will present this proposal during the upcoming board meeting,” he told Bernama, adding that this requirement was revoked in 2021 when Dr Ahmad Idham Ahmad Nadzri was CEO.
He said currently two film associations, namely the Professional Film Workers Association Malaysia (Profima) and the Malaysian Artistes Association (SENIMAN), have for several years been making contributions to Perkeso on behalf of their members.
“They (both associations) have laid the condition that every member renewing their membership must pay a one-time renewal fee that includes contributing to Perkeso,” he said.
Last Wednesday, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said that workers in the film sector, including freelancers, will receive Perkeso protection that will also include pension benefits.
He said the scheme will enable film industry practitioners, many of whom face difficulties in terms of social security, including pension issues, to have sufficient protection.
Elaborating, Jurey Latiff emphasised the importance of addressing the situation for freelancers who are not affiliated with any association and are not registered under Perkeso.
Jurey Latiff added that, apart from enforcing the membership requirement, FINAS could play a role in collecting data, particularly in gettting the accurate count of film industry practitioners in the country.
Meanwhile, art director Afandi Radzun Ismail, who is also a freelancer, said the government has the authority to direct artistes to contribute to Perkeso through creative industry associations, adding that the contribution will provide them protection in the event of any accident.
“I see the importance of contributing because we lack protection, apart from the insurance provided by Profima and our personal coverage,” he said.
He also believes that art industry workers should reconsider their perspective on Perkeso contribution, often perceived as costly and paid annually, especially when the estimated monthly income for a freelancer in the industry ranges from RM2,500 to RM3,000 depending on the production contract.
“In my team, there are three individuals, and I have made it compulsory for them to contribute to Perkeso and the management of their contributions is facilitated through contacts in Profima,” he added.
