26-06-2025
Comms Ministry slashes red tape for foreign film script approvals
PUTRAJAYA: The Communications Ministry has successfully reduced the script approval processing time for international film production companies from 30 days to just seven.
This marks a significant step in bureaucratic reform, said Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil (pic) .
Speaking at his weekly press conference on Thursday (June 26), Fahmi said the achievement is particularly noteworthy for the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas), as it addresses a critical need for thorough script reviews for foreign film shoots in Malaysia.
"Several other agencies under the ministry have also undergone reform to reduce red tape.
"For instance, Puspal (Central Agency for Application of Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes) previously took a much longer time to process applications.
"However, following the launch of Puspal Guidelines 6.0 in April, many processes have been streamlined, especially in organising concerts and managing film productions involving foreign artistes and companies,' he said.
He also said the ministry is committed to intensifying reform efforts across its agencies and statutory bodies, including the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
The ministry is among three recognised for successfully implementing bureaucratic reform, receiving a special commendation for its achievements.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar even noted that the ministry's efforts have improved the efficiency of foreign script approvals, reducing processing time from 30 days to seven.
This, he said, resulted in regulatory cost savings of up to RM2.4mil per production, elevating Malaysia's competitiveness as a preferred international filming destination.
Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa received the special certificate of appreciation from Shamsul Azri at a ceremony in Putrajaya on Tuesday (June 24).
The Housing and Local Government Ministry and Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry were also recognised for their achievements in cutting red tape. – Bernama
