KUALA LUMPUR: The government's decision to exempt local film and theatre tickets in the Federal Territories from entertainment duty has been welcomed as a positive step for the creative industry.

However, industry leaders say a broader approach is needed to truly support the arts ecosystem.

Veteran theatre practitioner Datuk Dr Faridah Merican welcomed the exemption—announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the recent Budget 2027 presentation—noting that it would ease financial pressure on both productions and audiences.

However, she stressed that tax relief alone cannot solve the wider challenges facing arts organisations and practitioners.