Karyawan wants all artistes associations to be put under one umbrella

The Malaysian Artistes Association (Karyawan) wants all associations that take care for the welfare of artistes to be put under one body.

Its president, Datuk Freddie Fernandez said charity work and efforts to safeguard the group's interest would be coordinated if the proposal could be implemented.

"Now, there are several associations as such Karyawan, Seniman Association of Malaysia and 1Malaysia Artistes Foundation.

"This can cause confusion to artistes as to where should they go for help," he told reporters after visiting veteran actors, Datuk Zulkifli Zain and Datin Normala Omar at their home, here on Wednesday.

Karyawan was in talks with the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) to discuss on what could be done to implement the proposal.

Fernandez also gave a donation to the couple who are facing health problems.

Meanwhile, Normala thanked Karyawan for their concern.

She was recovering from foot injury after a fall down at home last month, while Zulkifli suffered a stroke in January.

"Despite our illnesses, I am grateful that our children are always by our side and take care of us, apart from visit by lots of friends," she said.