16-06-2025
Malaysia Strengthens Position As Regional Filming Hub Through FIMI
By Norhidayyu Zainal
KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia continues to cement its status as a leading regional hub for film production, successfully attracting foreign creative investments through the Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI), which is creating jobs and upskilling the local workforce.
National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib revealed that among the latest international productions to benefit from FIMI is the upcoming television series Lord of the Flies, produced by Sony Pictures and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
The series was filmed in Langkawi, Kedah, at the end of last year.
'The production brought in more than 30 child actors from overseas, accompanied by parents and tutors, and rented a major hotel in Langkawi for nearly five months.
'In accordance with FIMI's requirements, the production also employed a significant number of local crew members,' he told Bernama in a recent interview.
He said the initiative was made possible through a partnership between FINAS and the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), which provided basic film production courses to workers from the tourism sector.
To further enhance local participation, Azmir announced that, starting next year, the minimum quota for local crew involvement in foreign productions will increase from 30 to 40 per cent.
'This move will not only create more job opportunities for Malaysians, but also accelerate skills development by exposing local talent to international production standards,' he remarked.
