KUALA BERANG – Recording artistes eligible to receive royalties, but have been left out of the previous payment list, are advised to contact the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO).
Deputy Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Rosol Wahid, speaking to reporters here yesterday, said the ministry has received a list of 1,000 individuals, who will get their payments early next year.
“The government welcomes them to come forward and register. There is a certain amount that they will receive, but if they are entitled (to royalties), we will look into it.”
He said all of the 1,000 individuals on the list are under the patronage of two music royalty collection licensing bodies, namely Recording Performers Malaysia Bhd (RPM) and Performers’ Rights and Interest Society of Malaysia Bhd (Prism), and will see their royalty arrears resolved by the Insolvency Department.
On claims that Putrajaya is not taking the issue seriously, he said it is unfair for the music industry to blame any party over the failure to pay royalties, as announced on October 10.
“Even though MyIPO is just a facilitator or intermediary body in this issue, we take seriously the problems plaguing local arts activists.
“We managed to reach a consensus at a meeting I chaired on Wednesday, and those at the meeting agreed to settle with an initial payment of royalty arrears amounting to RM500 each to RPM and Prism members.” – Bernama, December 12, 2020
