Remember the whole hoo-ha when Communications and Multimedia Minister Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah said that Malaysians would need a license from FINAS to film videos, including for TikTok and Instagram?

The issue went viral and was subjected to ridicule and jokes amongst netizens and other minsters.

And now, a local actress wants the government to introduce another filming license but this time, it’s for YouTubers.

According to Malaysiakini, actress Ellie Suriati Omar is urging the government to implement a licensing law for YouTube channel owners in order for the to operate.

Yay or nay?
This is because YouTubers have been making money off the platform.

“I don’t care people want to criticise me for making such suggestion. We have our own reasons,” the 50-year-old actress said.

“Why aren’t YouTubers paying licensing fees? You’re making creative content after all.”

YouTubers Hurting The Film Industry?

Are you a YouTuber?
Ellie also added that some YouTubers are taking advantage of the platform by using it to give bad reviews of local films, which in turn have affected the film’s box office earnings.

“This has caused a big loss to producers, directors, and even production crew members because no one wants to watch our films after YouTubers have labeled it as trash,” Ellie said.

“Our film industry isn’t like Hollywood, only 10 per cent in the field are rich and the rest are B40s.”

The actress is planning to submit a memorandum to MCMC and other authorities about the YouTube licensing soon.

What do you think guys? Should YouTubers apply for a license to make content?