The Ministry of Communications has announced a RM13 million allocation for the Tamil creative industry through the Creative Content Fund (DKK) 2024, administered by the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas). The Deputy Minister of Communications, Teo Nie Ching, shared this update on Facebook following a meeting with the Malaysian Tamil Artiste Association, which she chaired.

The RM13 million will be distributed across five categories: Script Development Fund, First Time Amateur Filmmaker (FAME) Fund, TV Programmes Fund, National Documentary Fund, and Co-Pro Fund. Applications for these funds will open in September 2024.

Teo also highlighted other decisions made during the meeting, including expanding the “Thaalam Programme” recordings for Radio MINNALfm (RTM) to offer more opportunities for artists in six states. Additionally, the airtime for local songs on MINNALfm will increase from 450 minutes per week to 1,005 minutes starting November 1, 2024.

Furthermore, Teo announced that the Tun Abdul Razak Broadcasting and Information Institute (IPPTAR) will offer two more courses and one workshop for Tamil media practitioners and artists next year. MyCreative Ventures will also launch the “ACE Workshop” programme in six locations starting in September.

Teo urged industry practitioners to take advantage of these new opportunities and apply for the available initiatives. The meeting was a follow-up to a question raised by MIC Vice President Senator Datuk Dr. R. Nelson in the Dewan Negara on April 4.

The meeting was attended by Batu MP and chairman of the Malaysia Indian Community Transformation Unit (Mitra) Special Task Force Committee M. Prabakaran, Selangor State Executive Councillor for Human Resources and Poverty Eradication V. Papparaidu, Buntong assemblyman M. Thulsi, Kota Kemuning assemblyman S. Preakas, as well as representatives from Finas, RTM, Puspal, IPPTAR, MyCreative Ventures, Mitra, and Astro.