RANAU, SABAH, Malaysia July 26, 2025 — Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, met with renowned Sabah artists Bella Astillah and Elica Paujin last night ahead of their performance at the Sabah Zone KPDN Carnival in Ranau. The minister took the opportunity to discuss their career progress and perspectives on music royalty issues.
Addressing long-standing challenges surrounding music royalties, the ministry is actively working on reforms. Through the Malaysian Intellectual Property Corporation (MyIPO), the ministry is introducing Guidelines for Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) under Section 27M of the Copyright Act 1987. These guidelines empower MyIPO to regulate CMOs, which are authorized by copyright owners to manage their royalty rights.
“Our goal is to enhance the music royalty management ecosystem, focusing on advocacy, stakeholder compliance, and transparent governance in royalty collection and distribution,” said Datuk Armizan.
However, some parties have expressed dissatisfaction and are pursuing judicial reviews, naming KPDN, MyIPO, and the minister as respondents. The matter is currently under judicial process, and the minister emphasized respect for the legal system, stating, “We leave it to the law and judiciary. My priority is ensuring the rights of all stakeholders, especially artists and creators, are protected.”
Highlighting the plight of artists who face financial struggles later in life, Datuk Armizan stressed the government’s commitment to establishing a clearer and more comprehensive legal framework. “Creativity and talent are treasures and sources of livelihood. It is my responsibility to ensure musicians benefit from their work, not only during their active careers but for as long as their creations are utilized,” he said.
The minister’s remarks underscore ongoing efforts to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of Malaysia’s music industry talents.