RM110 MILLION ALLOCATED TO BOOST CREATIVE INDUSTRY UNDER BUDGET 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- The government has allocated RM110 million under Budget 2026 as an incentive to encourage local and international film producers to create high-quality works in Malaysia, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the allocation included RM10 million specifically for the production of nationhood-related content, as part of the MADANI government’s commitment to supporting creative works that strengthened the orange economy ecosystem.

“The government has allocated RM20 million to support the Digital Creative Ecosystem, particularly for local animation and digital gaming creators, and RM10 million as incentives for organising concerts by local and international artistes in Malaysia to attract foreign tourists in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

“To encourage local animation creators, the government has agreed to grant procurement flexibility to all ministries and departments to purchase merchandise and digital content products,” he said when tabling Budget 2026 in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Meanwhile, Anwar, who wore a light blue baju Melayu while tabling the Budget themed ‘Belanjawat Rakyat’ (A Budget for the People), said the ‘Hadiah Bahasa’ award will be revived, reflecting the MADANI government’s commitment to strengthening the Malay language as a symbol of the nation’s pride and civilisation.

“The Malay language is the lifeblood of our national identity and a vehicle for intellectual thought that must continue to be nurtured in every Malaysian. It is not merely a language of communication but also of knowledge, culture and unity.

“The Ministry of Education will continue to prioritise the Malay language as the language of knowledge in all schools and streams. We have observed lapses in implementation in 249 international schools,” he said.

He said international schools must ensure that the teaching of the Malay language and national studies was implemented for all Malaysian students.

“In line with current demands, the mastery of the English language within the national education system should also be prioritised from the primary level,” he added.

-- BERNAMA