Malaysia 🇲🇾

Malaysia offers the Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI), a program designed to attract both domestic and international film and television productions. Below is a detailed breakdown of the incentives:

1. Malaysia Filming Incentives - Cash Rebate Program

Cash Rebate:

FIMI provides a 30% cash rebate on Qualifying Malaysian Production Expenditure (QMPE).

2. Film Incentives Breakdown

Rebate Percentage:

• 30% of eligible expenses.

Eligible Productions:

• Feature films.
• Television series.
• Documentaries.
• Animation projects.
• Commercials.
• Other screen productions.

Minimum Expenditure Requirements:

• For production activities: Minimum QMPE of MYR 5 million (approximately USD 1.2 million).
• For post-production activities: Minimum QMPE of MYR 1.5 million (approximately USD 360,000).

Rebate Cap:

• No specific cap per project is mentioned; however, the rebate is subject to the availability of funds and compliance with the program’s criteria.

3. Filming Incentives Terms and Conditions

Eligible Expenses:

• Costs directly related to pre-production, production, and post-production activities carried out in Malaysia.
• Payments to Malaysian individuals and entities for services such as location fees, equipment hire, crew wages, and accommodation.

Application Process:

• Applications must be submitted to the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) before the commencement of production activities in Malaysia.
• A detailed projection of the Malaysian budget and a completed cultural test are required as part of the application.

Cultural Test:

• Projects are evaluated based on:
  • Their cultural content.
  • Contribution to the Malaysian economy.
  • Engagement of local resources.

4. Governing Body for the Incentive

National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS):

• Administers the FIMI program, overseeing applications, evaluations, and disbursements.

5. Filming Incentive Application Process

1. Application Submission:

• Submit a complete application to FINAS before commencing production in Malaysia.
• Include necessary documentation such as:
  • The script.
  • Production schedule.
  • Financing plan.
  • A detailed projection of the Malaysian budget.

2. Evaluation:

• FINAS evaluates applications based on eligibility criteria and the cultural test.

3. Approval and Contract:

• Upon approval, enter into an agreement with FINAS outlining the terms of the rebate.

4. Production and Expenditure Tracking:

• Proceed with production, ensuring all eligible expenditures are properly documented and comply with the program’s requirements.

5. Rebate Claim:

• After production, submit the necessary documentation, including audited accounts, to claim the rebate.
• FINAS processes the claim and disburses the funds accordingly.

For detailed guidelines and application forms, consult the official FINAS website or contact them directly for assistance.