KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — The creative economy sector, which contributes about 6.8 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), holds immense potential to become a new driver of the nation’s economic growth, said Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.

He noted that advancements in digital technology now allow local creative content such as podcasts, music, animation, video games, and social media content to be exported to global markets, transcending geographical boundaries.

“When we produce a podcast, the audience isn’t limited to those inside the studio. Someone in California can watch it, someone in New Delhi can watch it, and even someone in Vladivostok can watch it,” he said while appearing as a guest on Jangan Kecam podcast hosted by Nazz Abdullah.

Fahmi said this demonstrates significant scope for exporting local content and intellectual property (IP) worldwide, thereby opening up broader revenue opportunities for creative industry players.

He added that this potential has prompted the government to establish the Orange Economy Council to guide and help strengthen the creative industry ecosystem, encompassing sectors such as film, music, video games, e-sports, and animation.

Regarding whether content creators fall under the “orange economy” category, he noted that while they are part of the creative economy, their business models vary and must be understood before specific forms of assistance can be determined.

“Content creation is not a job category with a uniform business model, some generate income through affiliate marketing, product sales, streaming, view counts, advertising, sponsorships, and brand collaborations.

According to him, digital platforms such as TikTok, TikTok Shop, Shopee, Facebook Marketplace, and Lazada also contribute to the growth of the digital economy by providing support and training related to sales, live streaming, and income generation.

Fahmi said issues requiring the government’s attention include copyright and the use of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly when the technology is used to produce content based on the works or identities of intellectual property owners.

“Many content creators are currently asking about AI how to use it, whether they can use tools like Suno or others to create AI-generated music.

“For instance, if we want to use a song by Faizal Tahir, feed it into an AI to create a new track, and then include that AI-generated music in our content is that permissible? In this regard, the government needs to step in and intervene to ensure that the rights of Faizal Tahir and other intellectual property owners are protected and safeguarded,” he said.

Regarding funding for content creators, Fahmi noted that there is currently no specific fund for this group, as the ministry’s support remains largely focused on sectors like film and music, in line with existing policies such as the National Film Policy and the National Broadcasting Policy.

However, he added that the Ministry of Communications, together with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), provides support to eligible mainstream and online media outlets, including through the Media Innovation Fund.

“The amount we allocated last year remains applicable this year which is RM30 million,” he said, explaining that media companies wishing to apply must meet certain criteria, including being registered with the Department of Information as electronic media entities.

Meanwhile, Fahmi urged creative industry players including eligible content creators to take advantage of the tax relief facilities provided by the Inland Revenue Board (IRB), including those for the purchase of business-related equipment.

“To date, no Malaysian content creators’ association has held an official meeting with me to raise specific industry issues; however, the government is open to understanding their needs and challenges,” he said. — Bernama