The Communications and Multimedia Ministry will seek the best way to provide special welfare aid to artistes and national literary figures in the long term to take care of their welfare.

Its deputy minister Jailani Johari said the assistance would benefit both old and veteran artistes in easing their financial burden such as cost of living and medical fees.

“I have asked the director-general (of the National Film Development Corporation) to sit down with RTM and broadcasters (private broadcasting companies) on the best method (to channel assistance) either in the form of royalty or welfare fund.

“We in the ministry try our best to help any artistes or literary figures facing problems. For the long-term, we need to find the best way to help them,” he told reporters here today.

Earlier he visited veteran artiste Fatimah Yassin, 78, at her home in Kelana Jaya, who is ill after being diagnosed with osteoporosis.

Jailani, who is also Hulu Terengganu MP, arrived at Fatimah’s house at 11 am and spent some time talking with her and her family members.

Also present were Finas director-general Fauzi Ayob (right in photo), chairperson Mohd Khusairi Abdul Talib and Malaysian Artistes Association (Seniman) president Rozaidi Jamil, better known as Zed Zaidi.

During the visit, Fatimah received donations from the ministry, Finas and Seniman.

Fatimah, is a former RTM radio announcer, and a widow with two children, Nordiba Akmal, 48, and Ahmad Fazuan, 45.

The Singapore-born Fatimah began her career in the 1970s and made a name for herself in the popular radio drama “Nombor 5 Persiaran Satu” and the “PJ Holdings” TV drama.

- Bernama