Its president Freddie Fernandez said the music industry required a body like the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia, established for the film industry in 1981, as key issues such as the rights and welfare of industry players remained unresolved.
Fernandez said the government must focus on protecting artistes’ rights, ensuring fair recording contracts, expanding performance avenues, and boosting TV and radio airplay.
He said a dedicated body would be crucial in addressing unemployment among artistes and veteran musicians and providing them with training programmes.
“We hope the government will take this seriously and help by setting up a special body to safeguard the music industry, which is facing various problems,” he told FMT.
“Musicians only know how to perform. If the industry doesn’t provide job opportunities, how are they supposed to survive? That’s why we need a body to look into these matters.”
Last month, communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said his ministry was carrying out a study on the development of the music industry to examine issues, challenges and action plans to strengthen its growth in a sustainable and dynamic way.
He said the study would also refine business models, governance, staffing and specific legislation to support the industry’s development.
Creating more jobs in the arts industry
Meanwhile, Malaysian Artistes Association (Seniman) president Zed Zaidi called for additional allocations, particularly for local production and publishing funds, to enable greater competitiveness in the international market.
He also called for increased access to studio facilities, marketing funds, and tax incentives for local production companies. He added that training in the use of artificial intelligence and visual effects would better prepare artistes for the challenges of the digital era.
“The additional funds would also help bring Malaysians’ work to international festivals and strengthen the country’s brand globally,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the arts industry, which not only nurtures talent but also generates employment and tourism, could become one of the main contributors to the gross domestic product with better budgetary support.