Malaysia’s creative economy contributed RM130.7 billion to GDP in 2024
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the industry supported employment for 763,100 people and generated RM63 billion in creative exports.
Malaysia’s creative economy accounted for 6.8 per cent of gross domestic product in 2024, contributing RM130.7 billion, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil told the Dewan Rakyat. He gave the figures while concluding his ministry’s debate on the Supply Bill 2027.
Fahmi said the industry supported employment for 763,100 people and recorded RM63 billion in creative exports. He argued that industry incentives should be considered in terms of their ability to draw investment, encourage business activity and expand opportunities for local practitioners and service providers. Concert spending also benefited technical crews, production businesses and other local companies, he said.
During the 12th Malaysia Plan, the creative content fund backed 1,677 local projects, which Fahmi said created 32,795 jobs. He described film, music, content production and major events as activities that sustained networks of workers, businesses and services.
Citing National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) figures as of Oct 8, Fahmi said 17 films covered by the mandatory screening scheme had collected RM129.86 million at the box office. Among the highest earners were Tarung Unforgiven with RM23.59 million, Chelot with RM19.12 million, Polong with RM15.05 million, Libang Libu with RM14.16 million and Malaikat Malam with RM12.23 million.
