KUALA LUMPUR: The National Film Development Corporation (Finas) said the government has approved a RM300 million allocation for its cash rebate programme over the next five years.
Chief Executive Officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib said the renewal was intended to support Malaysia’s position as a destination for international productions across the Asia-Pacific.
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He told a session at Hong Kong FilMart that the decision followed more than a decade of programme implementation.
Finas said that since its launch 13 years ago, the programme had disbursed RM580 million in rebates across 243 projects.
It said the initiative had attracted nearly RM2.8 billion in investment, generated about 30,000 jobs and produced an estimated RM7 billion in multiplier effects across tourism, hospitality and related sectors.
According to Finas data, global productions accounted for RM2.25 billion in investment, while domestic projects contributed RM550 million.
Azmir said the rebate covers feature films, documentaries, television series, streaming productions, visual effects and post-production work, and includes eligibility for above-the-line talent such as actors and performers working in Malaysia.
He cited projects supported under the programme including post-production work on “Star Wars” and location filming for Marvel’s “Thunderbolts*,” with portions filmed at Merdeka 118.
Finas said 2025 recorded local film box office receipts of RM244 million, compared with RM125 million in 2024 and RM108 million in 2023.
It said total investment and sales between Malaysian companies and international partners exceeded RM1 billion for the year, including a three-year agreement with Banijay Nordic for the unscripted series “Survivor” and an expanded animation partnership with Hasbro Entertainment covering titles such as “Transformers” and “My Little Pony.”
