KUALA LUMPUR – The Film Directors’ Association of Malaysia has urged the government to expedite the Covid-19 vaccination for creative industry players as part of efforts to curb the spread of the virus.
Its president, Ahmad Ibrahim, said creative industry players consist of all employees involved in the production of dramas, films, commercials, documentaries and news programmes, both at broadcasting stations or private companies.
“Television stations need to broadcast new programmes, whether dramas... or documentaries to carry messages related to Covid-19.
“Although the stations can self-produce those programmes, it will not be enough. Many programmes need to be sourced from outside, especially dramas and commercials.
“Without vaccination, it will be difficult for the stations or external producers to create and supply new programmes due to the risk of infection among workers who have yet to receive the vaccine.”
Ahmad said what is most important is the survival of industry players who are fully dependent on production works as a livelihood, as more than 90% of them are freelancers with no fixed income.
“We have not worked for more than a month, and there is no specific assistance from the government.
“By right, the framework for a group immunisation and a designated vaccination centre should have been set up for the media and creative industry players two months ago.” – Bernama, June 22, 2021
