KUALA LUMPUR – Just days after creative and film industry players called for the resignation of top guns at the National Film Development Corporation (Finas), the government has agreed to allow the limited reopening of the creative industry.
Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the decision, which takes effect tomorrow, was made following a risk assessment by the relevant government agencies.
The sectors that can begin operations under strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) are:
- animation and music production
- post-production in studio
- music development (digital)
- music recording in studio
- film pre-production
- shooting in studio (including dramas, telemovies, commercials, documentaries and live-streaming, among others).
The SOPs include obtaining a special filming certificate from Finas at least three days before shooting that state details of the crew alongside their Covid-19 test results.
“Approvals are subject to results of the Covid-19 tests.
“Only those who take the test and are negative can be involved in the filming,” said Ismail Sabri.
He added that only 30% of the management can be present on location, while premises can only operate from 8am to 10pm.
On February 7, a group called Art Revolt launched an online petition calling for Finas chief executive officer Ahmad Idham Ahmad Nadzri and chairman Zakaria Abdul Hamid to resign for failing to look after the welfare of those in the industry.
Green light for sports training
Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said the government has also given approval for the Malaysian Football League, Malaysia Hockey League and Sepak Takraw League to begin centralised training programmes starting February 15.
This is after taking into account an application from the Youth and Sports Ministry and following risk assessment.
“Training locations and the movement of athletes will be controlled, based on a sports bubble.
“Their accommodation must also adhere to the camp-quarantine and home-quarantine SOPs set by the government,” he said.
Ismail Sabri said the government is also finalising the easing of more restrictions that might see the restarting of more sports activities, particularly those without contact and that are undertaken individually.
No-go for entertainment centres, nightclubs
As for nightclubs, entertainment and karaoke centres, Ismail Sabri said they remain in the negative list of sectors allowed to operate under the MCO.
He made this clarification following confusion that they can operate but limited to only serving food and beverages.
He said the high number of arrests and compounds issued to such premises owners and customers proves they need to be prohibited from operating.
From March 18, 2020 to January 31 this year, 951 such premises have been raided, with 9,587 compounds issued and 4,666 individuals arrested.
On a separate matter, Ismail Sabri announced the lifting of the enhanced movement control order tomorrow at the Dungun Correctional Centre and staff quarters; Kg Orang Asli Batu 6, Jalan Pahang, Perak; and, Marang Prison.
This comes after the Health Ministry deemed the areas to be safe, with Covid-19 cases there now under control. – The Vibes, February 9, 2021
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