Malaysia creative industry contributes RM130.7 billion to economy

Malaysia’s creative and cultural industry contributed RM130.7 billion, or 6.8 percent, to the national GDP in 2024. According to Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, the sector also supported 763,100 jobs and recorded creative product exports valued at RM63 billion.

The creative economy encompasses diverse fields including film, music, performing arts, animation, digital games, literary publishing, fashion, and culinary arts. In the film industry, 17 local films under the Mandatory Screening scheme collected RM129.86 million as of October 8, 2026. Additionally, 175 international productions chose Malaysia as a filming location between January and July 2026 through the Malaysia: A Filming Destination and Production Hub initiative. The Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI) attracted an estimated RM2.75 billion in foreign investment from 2013 to 2025.

Addressing concerns regarding cultural values, Fahmi Fadzil stated that the government aims for a balance between economic progress and the preservation of religious and social values. He clarified that the full exemption of entertainment duties for local film screenings and theater performances in the Federal Territory starting in 2027 does not mean a loosening of controls. International artist performances remain subject to scrutiny by the JK-PUSPAL committee, which includes agencies such as the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Immigration Department, and JAKIM to ensure compliance with safety, public order, and religious sensitivities.