Allow Studios To Begin Shooting Under Phase 2 Says Saifuddin

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The communications and multimedia ministry is considering relaxing SOPs for local film studios.KUANTAN: The communications and multimedia ministry is trying to get permission for filming activities in the studio to be allowed during Phase Two of the national recovery plan.
Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said the proposal should be applicable only to approved studios to allow monitoring and compliance with SOPs to curb the spread of Covid-19.
“We have studios, including under the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas), in Selangor, Johor and Sarawak, and some production companies that have their own studios.
“The number of studios is not that many but allowing them to operate during Phase Two can help them earn some income because there are many working behind the scenes,” he said at the Indera Mahkota 2020 MP Report Card Presentation press conference held online here today.
Under current regulations, filming activities will only be allowed when the country has entered Phase Three of the recovery plan, which is when the average daily Covid-19 figure dips below 2,000 cases, bed capacity in the intensive care units is adequate and the vaccination rate is at 40%.
He said the proposal would be forwarded to the National Security Council (MKN) for consideration.
Saifuddin also said that so far about RM250 million had been allocated to help those affected in the creative arts industry, with RM100 million under the Pemulih package, announced by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin recently.
On another matter, Saifuddin said he had no problem with people raising the white flag to ask for food aid, but hoped that they would fly it at suitable places and not electric poles.
“We try to help everyone and they can submit their applications in various ways. In fact, when distributing aid, it is common for us to bring extra so that we can help anyone in urgent need,” he said.
Saifuddin said apart from data kept at his service centre, aid was also given based on requests from the public, local leaders or political parties.
“We have an Asnaf (hardcore poor) cupboard filled with basic necessities. We also help anyone who needs items other than food, such as disposable diapers or baby formula, and those who need help can contact us,” he said. - FMT

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