Country Demographics for Malaysia('MY')

Film Commissions

National Film Development Corp of Malaysia (FINAS)
Tel: 3 4104 1300 Fax: 3 4108 4537, 3 4108 5216
E-mail: finas@po.jaring.my
Website: www.finas.gov.my
Director General: Mahyidin Mustakim

Introduction
Beyond the major resorts, Malaysia offers the cool hills of the Cameron Highlands, ancient rainforest, waterfalls, rocky coastline, sandy beaches, Moorish architecture and the tea plantation and rose garden reminders of colonialism. Malaysia enjoys uniform temperature, high humidity and copious rainfall.

Permits/visas
The first point of contact is the Licensing & Enforcement Department, Ministry of Culture, Arts & Heritage Malaysia (tel 3 2612 7600, fax 3 2698 5264, e-mail shukran@heritage.gov.my, web www.heritage.gov.my/kekkwa/index.php) which is responsible for issuing licenses for filming activities (i.e. production, distribution and exhibition), to collect film charges and to enforce provisions of existing law. These functions were taken over from the National Film Development Corp of Malaysia (FINAS) from July 2005, although actual implementation started from 16 January 2006. Approvals for foreign film shootings and foreign artistes performances are carried out by The Central Agency for Applications of Foreign Film Shooting & Foreign Artistes Performance (PUSPAL) (tel 3 2612 7600, e-mail puspal@heritage.gov.my, web www.heritage.gov.my). It is mandatory for all foreign film production companies to appoint a licensed local sponsor who will obtain the necessary approvals and permits. For a list of local agents registered with PUSPAL, visit www.heritage.gov.my/upload/manual/puspal/senarai_agen.pdf. All approvals are subject to the PUSPAL guidelines. The guidelines booklet is available free of charge from regional offices of the Licensing and Enforcement Division.