SHAH ALAM, Sept 25 — The state government is considering a proposal to turn every district into a creative economy hub to showcase local entrepreneurs' products and potential.
State executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi said each district has unique characteristics and strengths that could become an economic identity, contributing to Selangor's development.
“This is one of the very interesting proposals because, in terms of facilities and amenities, Selangor is fairly well equipped, and we can also make the creative economy segment one of the ‘trademarks’ of the districts or local authorities.
“For example, we have a songkok entrepreneur based in Sabak Bernam. Apart from promoting his songkok products, he has also created a support system and employment and economic opportunities for young people there.
“From here, we will try to identify interesting industries that can be developed at the district and local authority levels. So, we are considering the proposal,” he said.
He was speaking at the 2027 Selangor Budget engagement session with Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari today.
Najwan added that other matters raised with creative industry players include support from the state government and the proposal to maintain the reduction in entertainment duty.
“Another proposal is how the state government can explore collaborations with industry players across various sectors, including film, animation, video games, culture, and heritage.
“We will try to provide better support to this segment, and these findings will be compiled and presented to the Menteri Besar,” he said.
Meanwhile, the councillor also hopes the allocation for the creative economy sector can be increased to expand support for industry players.
“If possible, we would like to maintain it, but it would be even better to increase it. We want to assess the segment's suitability because the creative industry has been established for a long time, although it is now emerging in various forms.
“We will look at the needs and, in terms of funding, we will do our best to request an increase,” Najwan said.
Elsewhere, Warnakala Studios founder Hairul Sofian, also an animator for Didi & Friends, said Selangor has great potential to further develop its creative industry, including in terms of investment.
“Selangor can further develop the creative industry and produce more products, including its own cartoon characters that can serve as the state’s identity.
“I also propose establishing a creative hub and stepping up promotion. In addition, it could become a tourism attraction for Selangor,” he said.
