The Information Communications and Culture Ministry is preparing a paper on the setting up of an old age scheme for artistes to meet their special needs arising from disability or old age, the Dewan Negara was told today.

Its deputy minister, Joseph Salang, said under the scheme, artistes could pay subscriptions according to their ability until the age of 60 while the benefits and savings could be withdrawn upon maturity.

Responding to a question from Senator V Subramaniam, Salang said the ministry’s concern about the welfare of artistes was evidenced from the launch of the Artistes Welfare Scheme in 2007 before it was changed to the Arts Fraternity Welfare Fund in 2010.

Salang said the fund dished out four types of assistance - compassionate aid up to RM10,000, RM5,000 to the next of kin after an artiste’s death, payment of medical expenses for chronic illnesses at government hospitals or clinics (up to RM10,000) and cash aid for natural disasters (up to RM5,000).

- Bernama