KUCHING: Datuk Snowdan Lawan is calling upon Music Right Sarawak Berhad (MRSB) to play a more proactive role as Sarawak’s local music industry experiences rapid growth.
As the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries, and Performing Arts, he stressed Sarawak’s commitment to managing the collection and equitable distribution of royalties to local artists within the region.
“The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries, and Performing Arts (MTCP) recognizes the vital role played by MRSB in the local creative scene, promoting the identity of Sarawak and the nation to the world.
“Hopefully, MRSB is committed to ensuring that music created by local talents, especially by various native artists, holds a special place,” he said.
He made these remarks while speaking at the ‘Karya Kamek Hak Kamek’ Seminar held at the Youth and Sports Complex Auditorium in Kuching on Saturday (Sept 2).
Furthermore, Snowdan said MRSB should carry out music royalty collection activities efficiently and effectively in accordance with the Copyright Act of 1987.
He also stated that his ministry welcomes cooperation with MRSB.
“The partnerships we build should extend beyond financial support to include infrastructure, policy advocacy, and celebrating artists’ achievements.
“The government is committed to fostering creativity, which means supporting artists not only in preserving cultural heritage but also in stimulating economic growth, attracting tourism, and enhancing Sarawak’s international standing,” he said.
The ‘Karya Kamek Hak Kamek’ Seminar serves as the ideal platform for disseminating information about music royalties and gathering feedback, suggestions, and viewpoints from end-users in Sarawak.
Music Right Sarawak Berhad (MRSB) was established on September 28, 2020.
On November 5, 2021, MRSB was granted a certificate of declaration as the sole licensing body in Sarawak by the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyiPO).
MRSB is the latest organisation to be recognized by the ‘Intellectual Property Controller’ under the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) as the authorised entity for collecting royalties generated from music products and performances by local artists and performing groups.
In Sarawak, there are 23 recording companies that support the establishment of MRSB, along with several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) related to music, such as Armada Anak Seni Sarawak (ARAS), Bidayuh Artist & Musician Association (BAMA), and Sarawak Iban Artist Association (PARISA).
