KUALA LANGAT, Sept 7 — Selangor has received RM1.79 million in funding this year to help boost the development of its arts and cultural heritage industry.
National Culture and Arts Department (JKKN) director-general Mohd Amran Mohd Haris said from this amount, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) has disbursed RM1.7 million to 23 arts associations and companies in Selangor through the Cultural Sector Support Grant.
A further RM95,000 was allocated to 18 cultural arts associations in the state under the JKKN's Financial Arts Incentive Assistance.
"For the record, in 2024, a total of RM3.5 million was channeled to 63 applications from cultural arts associations and companies to implement programmes in Selangor," he said in his speech at the Selangor@Batu Laut Festival 2025 launch yesterday.
Also present at the event were Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari and state executive councillor for housing and culture Datuk Borhan Aman Shah.
Amran said Motac places great emphasis on invigorating cultural arts programmes across the country. Therefore, support and backing from agencies and the community are crucial to establishing this sector as one of the largest contributors to the national economy.
Meanwhile, in his speech, Amirudin said Selangor remains a focal point for cultural and artistic diversity, which is one of the state's strengths in the tourism sector.
He said this diversity, shaped by centuries of migration, has brought with it the customs and cultures of different communities, creating a unique multicultural landscape.
“For example, in 2018, the population rose to 6.8 million, and today Selangor has recorded over 7.4 million people. Their (migrants') presence isn’t solely about seeking employment or driving the economy.
“While we are open to embracing other cultures that can be practised in the country or state, we also uphold Article 10 of the Federal Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, provided it does not threaten national stability, peace, or prosperity,” he said.
