New mechanism soon over funds for RTM documentaries: Gobind

KUALA LUMPUR: The Communications and Multimedia Ministry is to introduce a new mechanism soon for the application and channelling of government funds for the production of documentaries for Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).
Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the existing system had many weaknesses including leakages and an improvement was necessary.
"After helming this ministry, I have heard a lot of complaints, especially on leakages. I find that the existing mechanism is not tight and invites leakages.
"I hope that in one of two months, I can announce the new mechanism to ensure that the channelled funds are used for the purpose intended and not other purposes," he said when replying to a supplementary question, from Lukanisman Awang Sauni (PBB-Sibuti) during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat.
Gobind Singh gave the assurance that the channelling of funds for the production of documentaries and short films would continue.
He also said that this year up to June, RM19.56 million was channelled for the production of documentaries and RM1.33 million for the production of short films.
This Digital Content Fund encompasses Micro Funds, Development Funds, Production Funds, Production Cooperation Funds, Marketing Funds and Community Service Funds, he said.
"We want to ensure that all these funds are channelled holistically and we want them to earnestly produce more documentaries of value," he said.
Gobind Singh said RTM productions were always focused on strengthening racial relations in the country. — Bernama