183 FILM INDUSTRY PRACTITIONERS RECEIVE BENEFITS VIA ZIARAH MADANI@FINAS SINCE 2023 - TEO

KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 (Bernama) -- A total of 183 film industry practitioners have received benefits totaling RM144,900 via ‘Ziarah MADANI@Finas’ which has been implemented since 2023.

Deputy Minister of Communications Teo Nie Ching said the welfare initiative led by the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS) aims to assist actors and artists in the creative industry who need support, especially in terms of welfare and well-being.

She said in the first year of its implementation, a total of eight recipients received a contribution totalling RM10,900, before increasing to 49 recipients with a contribution of RM47,000 in 2024, while a total of 123 recipients received assistance totalling RM82,000 last year.

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“As of March 10 this year, three recipients have received a contribution of RM5,000. FINAS's target for this year is to deliver this contribution to at least 100 actors or artists.

“For those who need any assistance, can contact FINAS. At the Ministry of Communications and also FINAS, we will do our best to help these creative industry activists,” she said when met by reporters after the Ziarah Seni MADANI@FINAS at Kota Media, Angkasapuri here, today.

Earlier, Teo also presented a personal contribution to actress Amyza Aznan who lost her eldest son, Andre Mikhail, 20, to stage three lung cancer on Feb 23 after a year of battling the disease.

Amyza, 50, also faced another test when her second son, Adrian Adam, 18, was diagnosed with bone cancer.

Teo hoped that her meeting and contribution today would give strength and encouragement to Amyza who has starred in films such as Reversi, Mat Bond Malaya and the comedy drama Midah Kuih Bangkit.

“She is currently going through a very trying period, as a mother I understand her. We hope that the future of their lives, especially in terms of health and emotions, is well taken care of,” she said.

Meanwhile, Amyza, who was visibly tearful, expressed her appreciation to Teo, FINAS and all parties who provided moral support to her and her son.

“Although it has been two weeks, I still need emotional support. Thank you for taking care of me and my son. Only Allah can repay everything,” she said while holding back tears.

She said the meeting was originally planned at her residence, but had to be held at another location because she was still not ready.

-- BERNAMA