KULAI, April 15 — Individuals and production companies that fail to deliver any films from the grants provided by the Malaysian National Film Development Corporation (Finas), will be blacklisted from receiving any assistance in the future.
Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Teo Nie Ching said 47 individuals and production companies were identified to have not delivered any films, despite receiving the grants.
“All 47 of them have received a letter of demand, and only three of them have responded to it and in reimbursing the fund prove that they admit the wrongdoing.
“For those who do not respond within the given time, Finas will proceed with legal action,” she told reporters after presenting Raya clothing in conjunction with the Cahaya Ramadan Bersama Telekom Malaysia (TM)” programme at the Mydin Mall, earlier today.
Also present were TM Foundation director Ainol Shaharina Shahar and TM Johor director Md Naziruddin Abd Moez.
Teo was responding to a news report that Finas is suing 47 individuals and production companies after they were found to have failed to produce any film using the RM20 million that was given to them.
The deputy minister said strict action should be taken against the defaulters as the funds given to them is public money to help local productions develop the country’s film industry.
The ministry had asked Finas to review the standard operating procedure (SOP) regarding the granting of grants to applicants to prevent any misappropriation.
“The government will not abolish the fund. We need them (Finas) to make improvements to the SOPs,” she added.
Earlier, Teo presented Aidilfitri donations worth RM200 each, comprising RM150 from TM Foundation and RM50 from Kulai Parliament, to 70 students from the B40 group.
Yesterday, Finas chief executive officer Prof Md Nasir Ibrahim was reported to have said that funds to produce films amounting to RM20 million given to 47 production companies were allegedly misappropriated for personal gain including home renovations and luxury vacations.
— Bernama
