KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 — The newly-formed Malaysian Writers Society (MYWriters) is hoping to become a national-level body for all writers in the independent literary scene.

The group that had its first annual general meeting on August 14, accepts all writers without restrictions on genre or language, and is the first of its kind in the country.

"The event marks a milestone in the Malaysian independent literary scene with its main aim in creating a united writing community. Starting with indie publishers that began operating several years ago, a grassroot movement to protect and empower individual writers has now taken shape,” it said.

Previously active on Facebook and Twitter, the group said the advantages of being a legal entity were better credibility and the ability to procure funds to support future projects for the benefit of writers and the local literary industry.

"Several plans are in the pipeline, such as the second installment of the month-long Malaysian Writers Fest in October 2016 and a presence at international book fairs. Full membership of the society is currently limited to full-age Malaysian citizens or Permanent Residents with publication credits,” it said.

According to the society’s secretary Tina Isaacs, who is also founder of the MYWriters Facebook group, Malaysian writers lack opportunities to make a living on their writing.

"Among the problems faced are bad practices in the industry that fail to protect writers’ interests; a lack of awareness about copyright protection and liability, and inadequate funding and support for local writers hoping to reach an international market,” she said.

According to her, another problem is that Malaysians in creative fields tend to be segregated based on language, genre, category and others.

"The establishment of this society represents a break from the current system. By creating an all-inclusive platform, it is with hope that our local writers can speak in a united voice to combat problems plaguing everyone in the industry,” she said.

The society elected Gina Yap Lai Yoong as president, while the vice president is Lokman Hakim Abdul Wahid. Isaacs is secretary and assisted by Farah Hanna Mohd Alkaf a. The treasurer is Anna Tan Shuh Ping.