KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 — The government has been urged to develop a comprehensive and structured national creative economy policy, or “orange economy,” to boost a sector that is rapidly gaining interest among the younger generation and holds strong potential for national income generation.
Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (PH-Gombak) said without a solid framework, local talent and creative potential risk being left behind or snapped up by other countries.
“It’s time for Malaysia to position the creative economy as a core pillar of future development, and to make Malaysian cultural products — such as Malay Pop — a global phenomenon within the next 30 years.
“South Korea has shown how investment in a creative ecosystem can give rise to global sensations like K-Pop, K-Drama, and Oscar-winning films,” he said during the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Local Talents Undervalued Despite Potential
Syerleena Abdul Rashid (PH-Bukit Bendera) echoed similar sentiments, lamenting the current state of Malaysia’s creative economy, which she described as “dismal” — not due to a lack of talent, but due to a lack of appreciation and protection for creative workers.
She pointed out that many in the creative industry do not contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) or Social Security Organisation (Perkeso), leaving them vulnerable without a social safety net.
“If we want Malaysia to progress not only economically, but also in terms of soul and culture, we must protect our storytellers by funding the arts adequately and providing fair contracts,” she said.
Syerleena compared Malaysia to countries like South Korea and Thailand, which have successfully positioned their creative industries as major economic drivers, while Malaysia continues to lag due to the absence of a clear national strategy.
“South Korea built global influence through K-Drama and K-Pop, Indonesia invested heavily in the arts, and Thailand saw a tourism boom thanks to the success of HBO’s The White Lotus series.
“This is not about luck, it’s about strategy. The impact on the economy includes tourism surges and millions of ringgit injected into the local economy,” she added.
Health Concerns Prompt Call to Revoke Sugar Subsidy, Ban Vapes
In a separate issue, Suhaizan Kaiat (PH-Pulai) proposed that the government revoke the RM500 million annual sugar subsidy and ban the sale of electronic cigarettes or vapes, citing growing public health concerns.
He noted that half of Malaysian adults consume excessive sugar, and 39% lead unhealthy lifestyles that contribute to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
“It is time for the government to withdraw the sugar subsidy for the sake of the people’s long-term health, and instead allocate those funds to the Ministry of Health to support its programmes and operations,” he said.
Suhaizan also urged the government to follow in the footsteps of Singapore and Thailand by banning vape sales, arguing that its chemical content poses serious risks including cancer and stroke.
The Dewan Rakyat sitting continues tomorrow.
— BERNAMA