KUALA LUMPUR, April 4 — The Communications Ministry is looking into enacting a Music Act to ensure that the field of art has its own legislation, to safeguard the welfare of musicians.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said since singers make up most of the content providers in broadcasting involving the medium of radio and television, there is a need to examine the relevant act to ensure the sustainability of the industry.
"I see that there are some basic things that need to be strengthened. Firstly, the literacy aspect which is the understanding of the law, because many new artists, when they sign a contract, do not understand what the contract means.
"When I spoke to singer Kaka Azraf, for example, the effect of him being removed from the label is quite big, including the songs he has sung. There is also an effect on royalties, among others.
"So, if we have a specific act for music, at least these can be highlighted," he told reporters after visiting veteran singer Zaiton Sameon at the Finas 2024 Madani Art Visit Programme in Ampang today.
Earlier, Fahmi also visited actor and director Salehudin Ridzwan, or better known as Din Glamor, at his residence in Bukit Antarabangsa under the same programme.
Fahmi said the ministry had started an engagement session with MyCreative Ventures as the lead agency to get suggestions on the drafting of the act, besides setting up a programme committee to speed up the study process.
"Previously, I have received a number of suggestions but suggestions may be improved with the involvement of the industry and academicians at various levels to ensure the ministry understands the aspects that need to be included in the act later," he said.
Commenting on the distribution of royalties to musicians, Fahmi said his ministry has held a series of meetings with stakeholders and one of the measures taken is to ensure that every ministry that benefits from locally-produced works make royalty payments to the musicians involved.
"On the part of the ministry, we have collected the amount to be paid to all involved from all our television and radio channels last year.
"But I have also conveyed to other ministries that if they use local artists, songs, their works in any campaign, event or celebration, then they have to make payment and we will coordinate,” he said.
When asked about Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh’s actions of continuing to play upon the controversial issue of socks with the word “Allah” on them, Fahmi said the decree of the His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, is clear and that all parties must cease the polemic.
“For me to disobey the order and deliberately interpret (His Majesty's decree) in any other way is not appropriate," he said.
— Bernama
