Malaysia’s Budget 2024 announcement has largely been met with positive nods, especially among the arts and culture fraternity. The most notable element? The elimination of entertainment tax in Federal Territories for local performances, a gesture resonating deeply with the community.
Tax Exemptions: A Boost for the Performing Arts
ReformARTsi, a local arts coalition, voiced their commendation, recognizing this step as a significant relief from the previously hefty entertainment taxes that burdened many Malaysian productions. The coalition stated, “With RM10mil earmarked for local art under the RM160mil for the entire creative industry, we hope the government persists in this support. Drawing parallels with a neighbouring country that invested 0.4% of its 2018 GDP in the arts, there’s immense untapped potential here.”
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Dama Asia Productions’ music director, Khor Seng Chew, also expressed gratitude, underlining the importance of the tax waiver. “The complete 25% tax relief is pivotal. It helps sustain our industry and furthers the growth of local theatre and performing arts, which often struggle financially,” noted Chew.
However, this applause came with a caveat – the hope that such exemptions extend beyond Kuala Lumpur, the nation’s capital.
Wider Reach Desired
Many industry veterans, like Khor and Joseph Gonzales, founder of ASK Dance Company, emphasize the need to decentralize these benefits. They advocate for a similar tax relief structure in other vibrant art hubs like Petaling Jaya and stress that rejuvenation projects should be more encompassing, not solely Kuala Lumpur-centric.
Support Beyond Production Costs
Gonzales applauded the RM10mil MyCreative Matching Grant Scheme for bolstering local creative initiatives. Still, he pointed out a significant gap – the lack of allocation for private arts entities, organizations, and venues. Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre’s (KLPac) Ang Yue May echoed this sentiment, highlighting the broader needs of institutions like KLPac that serve as the epicentre of performing arts.
Strengthening Craftsmanship and Local Heritage
The budget also spotlighted other areas of the arts. An allowance of up to RM200,000 will be available for orders from craft entrepreneurs registered under the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation. Such initiatives are anticipated to galvanize the local craft scene, especially rural artisans, as expressed by Vivian Evans, group manager of Sabah Handicraft Centre.
Moreover, RM10mil will rejuvenate cultural centres like the Tuanku Nur Zahirah Complex and Desa Ukiran Kayu, with an emphasis on promoting cultural events in Sabah and Sarawak and preserving minority languages.
Promotion and Recognition of Artistic Prowess
Cultural agencies are set to benefit from a RM50mil fund, aiming to highlight national artwork and literature, promote heritage theatre, and stimulate reading interests among youngsters. Additionally, the reintroduction of the Anugerah Seni Negara (National Arts Awards) as an annual ceremony stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to its arts and culture luminaries.