Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said that anyone wishing to shoot a video, whether it's a media organisation or an individual, will have to apply for licences before filming.

Several news outlets reported the minister making the statement at parliament on Thursday (23 July).

Saifuddin had said that under the National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) Act, anyone wishing to film needs to get permission from FINAS at least seven days before the shoot day.

Kerajaan memang menggalakkan semua pihak termasuk individu perseorangan mengeluarkan filem yang tertakluk pada undang-undang. - Menteri Komunikasi dan Multimedia, Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah [ @saifuddinabd ]#NormaBaharu #DewanRakyat #HapusCOVID19 pic.twitter.com/Taj6pWqNfP
— ??Astro AWANI?? (@501Awani) July 23, 2020

"It is mandatory for film producers to have a licence and a SPP letter of acknowledgement, regardless of whether they are main stream media or personal media producing films for social media platforms Or traditional channels," he said, answering a question at the parliament.

Malaysians aren't happy with his statement

Naturally, Malaysians aren't happy with what the Minister had to say, especially about the part where he said even those making films for social media platforms having to get a licence to do so.

Video lompat lompat saya di Muar kena dapatkan lesen Finas RM50,000 juga ke?Kasi chance please ?majoriti netizens tak mampu nak bayar RM50,000 untuk post video on social media.setuju?#MediaKita https://t.co/2q5I3fRsrN pic.twitter.com/9JKS4VeE7y
— Syed Saddiq (@SyedSaddiq) July 23, 2020

In a Malaysian prison soon.Prisoner 1: What are u in for?Prisoner 2: Uploaded wedding video on YouTube. No FINAS license. U?Prisoner 1: Uploaded kid’s 3rd birthday on IG. No license either. https://t.co/i2sw88p5iM
— Yoong (@yoongkhean) July 23, 2020

The minister did not answer the question when asked. Only said will act on complaints. ?
— Rahmah Ghazali (@rahmahghazali) July 23, 2020

Kerja asyik nak cekak kebebasan media orang malaysia je dia ni
— Jiji (@Jiji8526) July 23, 2020

Tiktokers and YouTubers beware.Our government says that you need a Finas license to shoot your videos.So, the best thing that can be done is to comply, and inundate them with license applications.It's called a denial of service attack. https://t.co/LRu3Jjm1Dg
— Shawn Tan ???? (@sybreon) July 23, 2020

Every time there is a new person at the top, be it at FINAS or at the Ministry, there are talks of wanting Malaysia to make films good enough to win international awards, including the Oscars.

But with so many restrictions and red tapes for content creators, will this ever be possible?

Is it a wonder that many of the awards local filmmakers win internationally are for films made overseas and not here?

Let's hope the Minister and FINAS clear things up for us.

Minister Says All Filming, Even Those For Social Media, Must Have FINAS Licence

Malaysians aren't happy with his statement