Malaysians who produce video contents, including Youtubers, will need a license from FINAS including a RM50,000 (estimated 12,000USD) paid up capital should they want to produce a video content in Malaysia.
National Film Development Corporation Malaysia, abbreviated FINAS, is the central government agency for the film industry of Malaysia. The objective of FINAS is supposedly to promote the local film industry by supporting in terms of finance, training, consultation, among others.
Based on a response made in Parliament by our “honorable” Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Minister, Saifuddin Abdullah, all production of films and recording regardless of whether media agencies or individual media outlets must apply for licence before filming, including for publishing on personal social media account.
Youtube, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram are among a long list of social media platform that supports video hosting.
According to former communications and multimedia minister Gobind Singh Deo, “It is impractical to expect or require all social media users to comply with Section 21 and 22. Even if those sections include social media, which is arguable, the minister need not take that position.
“He may have the power to exempt any persons or class of persons from the requirements of any of the provisions of the act,” Gobind said, urging Saifuddin to refer to Section 34A of the Finas Act instead.
“He should look at that provision carefully, be realistic and practical in keeping with new technology and the media landscape of today,” Gobind told Malay Mail.
Section 34A of the Finas Act reads: “The Minister may exempt any person or class of persons from any or all of the provisions of this Act.”
A check on the FINAS website shows that some of the requirement for the license include a ‘Sdn Bhd’ company, a minimum paid up capital of RM50,000 and ‘bumiputera’ shareholders in the company. You may download the full requirement details here[link].
Full transcript (In Bahasa Malaysia) made by the Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Minister in Parliament today:
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