Draft amendments to Finas Act to be submitted to AGC this week

The draft amendment to the Finas Act is in the final stage of preparation, aiming to keep the law relevant with current technological developments and changes in content production.

National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) CEO Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib said the amendment also aims to adapt to evolving business models.

They include those involving online transactions and content distribution through streaming platforms, social media, and other digital channels.

“Through this amendment, we want to ensure that industry workers, especially crew members and employees, are protected by regulations that safeguard their rights.

“It is also to strengthen the rights of producers, enabling them to better monetise their intellectual property (IP) and generate higher income,” Azmir (above) added.

The draft amendment to the Perbadanan Kemajuan Filem Nasional Malaysia Act 1981 (Act 244) is expected to be submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) for review this week.

Azmir said this when met after an engagement session with academicians from public and private higher institutions of learning on the proposed amendments.

The academicians came from the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) and Taylor’s University.

He said similar engagement sessions will continue to be held to obtain input from various parties, including academics and industry members.

“For example, in the context of artificial intelligence (AI), activities may not physically take place within the country. The servers could be located outside Malaysia.

“So, the question arises, who holds the intellectual property (IP) rights in such cases?” he said.

It was reported on March 19 that the cabinet had approved, in principle, the amendments to the Act.

- Bernama

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