A total of 183 film industry practitioners have received RM144,900 in benefits through the Ziarah MADANI@Finas welfare initiative since 2023.

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 183 film industry practitioners have received benefits totalling RM144,900 via the ‘Ziarah MADANI@Finas’ initiative since 2023.

Deputy Minister of Communications Teo Nie Ching said the welfare programme led by the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS) aims to assist actors and artists in need of support.

She detailed that eight recipients received RM10,900 in the programme’s first year, which increased to 49 recipients with RM47,000 in 2024.

Last year saw 123 recipients receive assistance totalling RM82,000.

“As of March 10 this year, three recipients have received a contribution of RM5,000,” Teo said.

She added that 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,” she told reporters after the Ziarah Seni MADANI@FINAS event at Kota Media, Angkasapuri.

Teo also presented a personal contribution to actress Amyza Aznan, who recently lost her eldest son to stage three lung cancer.

Amyza’s second son was subsequently diagnosed with bone cancer.

“She is currently going through a very trying period, as a mother I understand her,” Teo said.

She expressed hope that the meeting and contribution would provide strength to the actress.

Amyza, visibly tearful, expressed her appreciation to Teo, FINAS and all parties for their moral support.

“Although it has been two weeks, I still need emotional support,” she said.

She added that the meeting was originally planned at her residence but was moved as she was not yet ready.

 The Sun Malaysia