KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) -- The Information Communications and Culture
Ministry is preparing a paper on the setting up of an old age scheme for artists
to meet their special needs arising from disability or old age, the Dewan Negara
was told today.
Its deputy minister, Datuk Joseph Salang said under the scheme, artists
could pay subscriptions according to their ability until the age of 60 while the
benefits and savings could be withdrawn upon maturity.
Responding to a question from Senator Subramaniam Veruthasalam, Salang said
the ministry''s concern on the welfare of artists was evidenced from the launch
of the Artists Welfare Scheme in 2007 before it was changed to the Arts
Fraternity Welfare Fund in 2010.
Salang said the fund dished out four types of assistance -- a compassionate
aid up to RM10,000, RM5,000 to next of kin after artists'' death, payment of
medical expanses for chronic illnesses at government hospitals or clinics (up to
RM10,000) and cash aid for natural disasters (up to RM5,000).
-- BERNAMA
SS3 HK MB