KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian animation creator Muhammad Usamah Zaid has welcomed the government's allocation of over RM130 million to support the local creative industry under Budget 2027, calling it a strong vote of confidence in the sector's potential.
Usamah, the founder and chief executive officer of WAU Animation, said the announcement offers great encouragement to local creators working on original characters and stories with commercial potential both at home and abroad.
"As an industry practitioner who focuses on IP creation, I'm truly grateful for the acknowledgement and I think the allocation amount signifies the hope and belief towards the industry," he told the New Straits Times.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the allocation when tabling Budget 2027 on Oct 9.
The funding aims to boost the film, music and creative content sectors through targeted incentives for local and international productions in Malaysia, with extra support for works showcasing national culture and identity.
A centerpiece of the budget is the government's plan to fortify the local animation ecosystem by developing 20 new intellectual properties (IPs) and taking Malaysian characters onto the global stage.
The goal is to help home-grown talent build sustainable businesses and internationally recognised brands, rather than one-off productions.
However, Usamah stressed that the real impact of the allocation will hinge on how effectively and fairly the funds are distributed.
"I wish the support will be channelled accordingly to the deserving players in a fair and timely manner," he said, adding that prompt funding would invigorate the entire creative ecosystem.
The Budget 2027 measures also feature a full entertainment duty exemption on tickets for local films and theatre performances in the Federal Territories starting next year, with state governments urged to follow suit.
These initiatives form part of a broader national drive to generate jobs, sharpen creative capabilities and take Malaysian stories to the world.
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