KOTA KINABALU, Sept 14 — The Communications Ministry is injecting RM17.5 million into the Creative Content Fund (DKK) to further support and strengthen the nation’s film and music industries.

Its minister Fahmi Fadzil said RM11 million has been allocated to support the film sector, while RM6.5 million is earmarked for the music industry.

"This initiative will assist filmmakers and musicians in producing content that we hope will not only tell the story of Malaysia’s rich culture, diversity and history.

"... to be showcased not only to Malaysians but also to the international community,” he told reporters after a meet and greet session with creative industry professionals from Sabah and Sarawak at the National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN) Sabah campus here today.

Some 200 creative talents from Sabah and Sarawak participated in the session, which lasted over an hour.

During the event, they discussed various perspectives, challenges and opportunities to drive growth in the film and music industries across both states.

Fahmi said the film sector grants, administered through the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), will include four categories starting from Sept 16: Script Development Fund, First-Time Amateur Filmmaker Fund, Co-Production Fund for Fiction and Documentary Films and the Documentary Fund.

For the music industry, four grant categories offered through MyCreative Ventures (MyCV) will be available from July 26 to Sept 30: ‘Malayseana’ Music Fund (Creative Works Fund), ‘Irama Perpaduan’ Fund (Creative Works Fund), MADANI Gig Fund (Music Performance Fund), and Interactive Music Content Fund (KAMI).

Also, two other music industry categories, ‘Dana Permata Muzik Negara’ and the International Marketing and Promotion Fund, will be open throughout the year to eligible industry practitioners.

Fahmi said DKK is designed to create a competitive creative industry, generate positive economic impact and develop competitive talent both locally and globally.

He said recipients will be selected based on merit, feasibility of their applications and the marketability of their projects, which are expected to enhance the creative industry ecosystem in the country.

Applications for the Film Sector DKK can be submitted online via FINAS through the Creative Industry Management and Monitoring System, while applications for the Music Sector DKK should be made through MyCreative Ventures for eligible creative industry professionals. — Bernama