KUCHING: Sarawak is set to have another film studio that can provide a platform for film production.
Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said he hoped the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS) could assist the state to establish one film set, like the Iskandar Malaysia Studios (IMS) in Johor.
“If you look after the year 2024, I would say the Pan Borneo Highway project will be completed, and we are so mobile and can go anywhere.
“Sarawak is blessed with beautiful scenery, and nature and filmmakers or producers can come to the state to film movies.
“So, I was talking to FINAS chief executive officer (CEO) Prof Dr Nasir Ibrahim that we should have another film studio in Sarawak, and this will help to further develop our creative industry,” he told reporters at the Rajah Film Gala Premier at The Spring shopping mall here last night (Mar 4).
He said if the establishment of the film studio comes to fruition, it would also benefit Sarawakians, especially the local talents as well as those in the filmmaking industry.
Meanwhile, Dr Nasir said he recently met with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and he had proposed to the latter for Sarawak to have a mini film studio.
“The Premier agreed (to the setting up of the mini studio), and he told me that he already went to IMS, and he is very convinced.
“With proper planning, Sarawak should be able to have their own mini-IMS,” he said.
Dr Nasir added that there is a need for a good ecosystem so that the film industry can be well developed.
