FUND FOR ARTS ACTIVISTS

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- The Information Communication and Culture
Ministry is setting up a special fund to look after the welfare of artists and
arts activists in need.

Its minister, Dr Rais Yatim, said discussions were being held to
set up the proposed fund which would be launched soon after its tabling to the
Cabinet.

He said allocation for the fund would be from levy deduction on payment to
producers of dramas and films aired over Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), the
Malaysian government owned radio and television stations.

"The fund will be managed by a trustee. Any film, drama or documentary which
is accepted to be aired by RTM will have a portion of its levy deducted to be
channelled to the fund to help artists and arts activists in need," he told
reporters after a breaking fast with players in the film industry and the media
at the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) here Tuesday.


Also present at the function were Deputy Information Communication and
Culture Minister Joseph Salang Gandum, the ministry's secretary-general
Kamaruddin Siaraf and FINAS director-general Mohd Mahyidin Mustakim.

Rais said the ministry also welcome the participation of other television
and radio stations to contribute to the fund.

At the function, Rais also handed cheques for RM5.7 million (US$1=RM3.5) in
entertainment duty to 12 producers for films produced between March and August
this year.

-- BERNAMA