KUALA LUMPUR: Persatuan Pekerja Profesional Filem Malaysia (Profima) is urging the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) to be stricter with approving its special filming authentication certificate (SPP) in order to curb the spread of Covid-19 and illegal drug use among artistes and crew members at filming locations.
The association's president Khir Mohd Noor Khir expressed concern over the lackadaisical attitude of certain productions that could cause the creative industry to stall once more if filming activities are forced to shut down.
"We ask for Finas to be stricter with the SPP application for filming activities by utilising a filming protocol officer (PPP) to monitor the SOP at filming locations.
"Finas has several sections in the north, south, east and west. So they can direct officers to check on the productions. With the SPP forms, Finas can easily monitor and identify these locations in order to ensure strict adherence to the SOP.
"Production companies should also not take the SOP for granted. They must make sure crew members and artistes are fully vaccinated, conduct swab tests three days before shooting and practise physical distancing," he said in a news report yesterday.
This follows allegations that seven crew members from a production who were infected with Covid-19 had returned to Kuala Lumpur after filming in Perak recently.
Khir is peeved that certain productions had also allowed more than 30 personnel to be present at a filming location and did not monitor the movement of people.
"Producers must be serious on this matter. Don't take the SOP lightly.
"We worry that many might be affected. It's not just the crew but the virus could spread to family members as well.
"This would greatly trouble the entire production. I was told that there are productions that continue filming even though an artiste is not feeling well because they think it's only a fever and don't want to bear any losses," he said.
Khir added that aside from a swab test done three days before filming, productions should also prepare test kits for use every five days to ensure the safety of the work force.
Meanwhile, Khir has also requested for Finas to take a stronger stance on the issue of illegal drug use among artistes and crew members.
This follows recent reports that a director, assistant director and artiste had been detained by the authorities in Kuala Kangsar, Perak for drug abuse.
"Finas has to ensure that productions conduct urine tests on the team involved in filming before the SPP is approved.
"It's tedious but better than having a production being forced to bear huge losses after it is shut down due to artistes testing positive for drugs.
"The drug abuse issue is not a new one and should be given attention. Don't be surprised, it's not only actors who consume drugs but actresses as well," he said.
Khir added that the recent arrest of the three individuals in Kuala Kangsar for drug use had been a big negative blow to the creative industry.
"I will not compromise on the drug issue with artistes and crew. If it's other issues or cases, the association would still consider lending a helping hand.
"When it comes to drugs, we will leave the matter to the authorities to handle it.
"Drug cases can destroy the reputation of the creative industry so we don't want any part of it," he said.
