Cover image via HibGlam
The government is offering a 30% cash rebate to Malaysian production companies under the Malaysian Film Incentive (FIMI), in a move aimed at strengthening local film production and encouraging the creation of content that meets international standards
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the initiative is meant to help local production companies diversify their funding options and reduce their reliance on the National Film Development Corporation (FINAS), reported the New Straits Times.
Speaking at the gala premiere of the action film Blood Brothers last night, he cited an example of how a production with a RM7 million budget could receive RM1 million back through the rebate.
Fahmi also said the government wants to support the development of more companies like Skop Productions, the studio behind Blood Brothers.
He has directed both Datuk Hans Isaac and Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, the chairman and CEO of FINAS, to identify and nurture such companies.
He added that quality filmmaking requires strong fundamentals, pointing to the importance of having a solid script and a capable, well-rounded director.
The 30% rebate offered under FIMI applies to all Qualifying Malaysia Production Expenditure (QMPE) across film, television, and screen-based content
Fahmi also encouraged Malaysians to support local cinema and take pride in homegrown talent.
"Take some time to watch local films. Let's prove that our films and our talent can achieve great things," he said.
Datuk Fahmi Fadzil at the gala premiere of 'Blood Brothers' yesterday, 7 April.
Image via Ahmad Ukasyah/New Straits Times
