VMY 2014: Nine Agencies Get RM15 Million To Improve National Arts And Culture Products

filepic: PelanconganKini

GEORGE TOWN, Dec 27 (Bernama) -- An allocation totalling RM15 million has been distributed to nine agencies under the Tourism and Culture Ministry in view of the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2014.

The ministry's deputy secretary-general (Culture) Datuk Abdul Ghaffar A. Tambi said it was aimed at improving all national arts and culture products to promote and lure more tourists to the country.

"Our unique arts and cultures are valuable assets that could be commercialised to lure more tourists to Malaysia," he told reporters at 'An Evening with Penang Malay Art and Culture Association' event here today.

He said among the agencies that received the allocation were the National Archives Department, National Library Department, National Museum Department, National Heritage Department, Culture and Arts Department, Istana Budaya, ASWARA, Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation and the National Visual Art Development Authority.

He said it was hoped that the allocation would help the agencies in implementing their creative art projects, while maintaining the authenticity of Malaysian cultures.

Abdul Ghaffar said national arts and culture products, which include literature, films, traditional games, martial arts and music, could enhance patriotism among the people if they were produced and delivered in the right way.

"So, we hope the agencies concerned will explore more effective and creative methods of delivery so that they can get their message across, and hence give positive social impacts to the public," he said.

Abdul Ghaffar also called on over 500 arts and culture-related non-governmental organisations to apply for an allocation from the RM6 million Arts Industry Players Welfare Fund, which would be distributed from next year.

He said the application could be made online via the ministry's website at www.motac.gov.my.
-bernama.