Concerns grow over stringent MIM rules

KUALA LUMPUR - Advertisers have voiced concerns over of a new version of Made in Malaysia (MIM), which states that 70 per cent of a commercial aired in the country will have to be locally-produced.

“Rising costs could mean we develop fewer TVCs. I wouldn’t be surprised if some brands stop advertising in Malaysia altogether,” said Farid Sulaiman, marketing director, Mini Malaysia.

However, Paul Loosley, head of commercials production association PPFIM, said: “When MIM went ignored five years ago, the industry went to the dogs. Free trade doesn’t mean fair trade.”

MIM, introduced in the ’80s, became obsolete as agencies chose to ignore the rules.