KUALA LUMPUR – The Perbadanan Kemajuan Filem Nasional Malaysia Act 1981 (Act 244) cannot override the Employment Act 1955 (Amendment) 2022, regarding the number of working hours, which came into force yesterday.
National Film Development Corporation (Finas) chief executive officer Md Nasir Ibrahim said in a statement today that the matter does not give Finas the authority over overtime issues involving art practitioners.
“Therefore, the view that Finas has the authority to take action or set the working hours of art practitioners is incorrect. In fact, it is legally contradictory.
“I hope that the confusion and misinterpretation of Finas’ authority on working overtime over artists, especially actors and production crew members, are corrected with this clarification,” he said in response to the issue that went viral on social media recently.
He said that the welfare of workers and flexibility of working hours, provided under Employment Act 1955 (Amendment) 2022, also applies to film industry practitioners, including actors and production crew.
Nasir said he also hoped that those involved in the industry are aware of the latest amendments to the law, so that no misunderstandings arise between employers and employees.
He said the number of working hours agreed upon and fixed under the terms and conditions of the contract between employers (producers) and employees (actors or production crew) should comply with the terms provided under the Employment Act 1955.
However, he said that Finas will take a more open and proactive approach in the matter, and hoped to invite representatives from Persatuan Seniman Malaysia, Persatuan Pekerja Profesional Filem Malaysia, and stakeholders to discuss the issue soon.
“Finas is also prepared and open to criticisms and suggestions from all parties, to ensure that the interests and welfare of the people working in the film industry are always protected,” he said.
Previously, Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar announced that the Employment Act 1955 (Amendment) 2022 came into effect yesterday, despite requests from the industry to extend the deferment period.
Among other things, the amendment includes a reduction in the length of the working week from 48 hours to 45 hours, an increase in maternity leave from 60 days to 98 days, paternity leave from three days to seven days, and a ban on discrimination in employment. – Bernama, January 2, 2023
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