The Information Communication and Culture Ministry only spent RM97,800 for Artistes Day 2011 celebrations on May 29, said

event management division secretary for the Evening With The Artistes programme, Modzaki Din, today.

He clarified that media reports stating RM100 million was used for the celebrations was a misunderstanding.

"This is because the RM100 million actually refers to money channeled to artistes under the Creative Industry Fund," he told Bernama today.

Under the 2011 Budget, the government allocated RM200 million to the Creative Industry Fund in efforts to boost the country's creative industry.

During the Evening With the Artistes programme in conjunction with Artistes Day 2011 celebrations at the Craft Complex on May 29, Information Communication and Culture Minister Rais Yatim reproached artistes and arts practitioners for not appreciating the government's efforts to recognise their involvement through Artistes Day.

Modzaki said the ministry had helped with the industry's development through loans from the Creative Industry Fund jointly managed by the ministry and Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN).

Besides, he said there were creative industry development grants which were managed by the Malaysian Communications And Multimedia Commission (MCMC), as well as cultural aid for non-governmental organisations involved in arts, culture and heritage.

- Bernama

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