KOTA KINABALU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry aims to enhance the royalty management ecosystem in Malaysia to ensure that musicians and artistes continue to benefit from the fruits of their artistic works.

Its minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said one of the ministry's efforts through the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) is to introduce Guidelines for Collective Management Organisations (CMO) under Section 27M of the Copyright Act 1987.

He said this step includes advocacy and compliance initiatives for all stakeholders, along with improved governance transparency in royalty collection and disbursement.

"My goal is to ensure the rights of all parties, especially artistes and musicians, are protected and upheld.

"Too many end up struggling later in life and the government must not be seen as neglecting its responsibility to establish a clear and comprehensive legal framework," he said in a Facebook post on Sunday (July 27).

He said MyIPO has the authority to issue guidelines regarding declarations and operations to any party registered as a CMO, mandated by copyright holders to manage royalty rights.

"However, a small group remains dissatisfied and has filed for judicial review, naming the ministry, MyIPO and the minister as respondents," he said.

Armizan zaid that as the current minister, he bears the responsibility to ensure musicians and artistes continue earning income not only throughout their careers but also for as long as others use their work. – Bernama