Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Film and Video Association (Safva) has questioned the distribution and transparency of federal creative industry funding after several Sabah film production applications submitted to Finas months ago remain unanswered.
Safva president Chester Pang (pic) said he was disappointed that there was still no certainty regarding the funding applications submitted to the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) around June and July 2026.
He said industry players in Sabah need clarity on their application status so that production planning, financing, and shooting schedules can proceed systematically.
While welcoming Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil’s announcement of the RM15 million Creative Content Fund (DKK) opening on Nov 16, Pang stressed that the broader RM140 million allocation under Budget 2026 must translate into clear benefits for Sabah filmmakers.
He pointed out that Safva’s concern is not merely about the quantum announced, but centres on fair access, transparent vetting, and effective disbursement to industry practitioners nationwide, particularly in Sabah.
Recalling that Sabah filmmakers secured an estimated RM2 million from Finas schemes such as the Digital Content Fund (DKD) and Catalyst Fund in 2025, Pang urged the government to maintain that momentum to foster a sustainable production ecosystem.
He highlighted that local practitioners are already taking initiative through self-funding and private investments—producing works like Bas Malam, Mr Finance, and Bobohizan: Next Generation—demonstrating they are not merely waiting for state handouts.
Pang called on both the Federal and State Governments, particularly through Sabah’s Creative Economy portfolio, to provide structured funding mechanisms, clear policy direction, and stronger support to build sustainable careers for Sabah’s creative communities.
