The chairman of National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), Zakaria Abdul Hamid, expressed his disappointment over issues of trespassing and vandalism at Gua Matsoorat (next to Gunung Lang Recreational Park) by a drama production crew recently.
“We’re well-informed of this incident and we deeply regret what has happened. Investigations are ongoing to look further into this issue.
“This is considered an encroachment of a national treasure. The production crew should’ve been much more careful while in the cave.
“With that said, FINAS is still waiting for a full report from investigation parties. We were also directed to obtain a chronological record of the incident.”
He added that should future filmings take place at high profile spots, such as gazetted national treasures and historical locations, there will be a need to review any film production licenses issued by FINAS.
“This is to prevent similarly unfortunate incidents like this from happening in times to come.”
Zakaria commented when asked by reporters regarding the matter during a media session after a closing ceremony of the Music Video Production and Copyright Workshop at Ipoh Town Hall earlier today (March 28).
The two-day workshop was a joint effort by Ipoh City Council (MBI) and Luncai Emas Sdn Bhd, with collaboration from FINAS and Consortium of the Malaysian Music Recording Industry (IRAMA).
It was moderated by executive publisher of Luncai Emas, Sham Amir Hussain. Panellists included film director Dato’ Jurey Latiff, copyright director Jennifah Johari and production director of Luncai Emas, Keon Omar.
The closing ceremony was graced by famed musician cum founder of Luncai Emas, Dato’ M. Nasir, who also performed two of his songs, ‘Tanya Sama Itu Hud Hud’ originally released back in 1993 and ‘Hati Emas’ back in 1981 while being a member of the music group Kembara.
Earlier this month, reports regarding damages done to the fossil teeth of a herbivorous prehistoric mammal at a site in Gua Matsoorat by a drama production crew for ‘Angkara Cinta’ surfaced on the internet. It was immediately made viral.
Chris Teh
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