KUCHING, 8 September: The government has decided to relax the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the creative industry for states currently under Phrase 1 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).
However, in Sarawak, while the industry is allowed to carry out filming activities, a Special Filming Certificate (SPP) is required.
“There are SOPs for the industry to carry out filming activities in Sarawak, for example, crew members must wear masks, keep a social distance, with a limit to the number of crew members.
“The SPP is also subjected to approval which requires all production personnel to undergo Covid-19 screening tests three days prior to filming,” ” said Long Wide Shot Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Lau Ung Ing.
The results, he explained, then are to be submitted to the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia or FINAS.
According to Lau, they are also required to conduct studio filming activities without audience.
The addition of Covid-19 screening tests also translates into increased production costs.
“Even if filming activities are allowed, if the filming is in a national park, would they allow us to go in for filming? This is because under Movement Control Order (MCO), public parks are not allowed to the public,” Lau said.
