KOTA KINABALU: The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry recognises Music Rights Sabah Bhd (MRS) as the licensing body to conduct royalty collection activities for local artistes and musicians in the state, effective Jan 7, says its minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

       He made the announcement at a consumer appreciation night with the Sabah Consumer Exco, media and consumer non-governmental organisations (NGOs), held here on Sunday (Jan 17).

       Also present were Sabah Community Development and People's Welfare Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya and state Domestic Trade and Consumer Rights director Georgie Abas.

       At the event, Nanta also presented a certificate to the MRS chairman and managing director Asmin Mubin.

       Speaking to reporters later, Nanta said that MRS will conduct royalty collection activities on behalf of singers; musicians in song recordings; music video makers, and local recording companies involving Sabahans.

       "The establishment of MRS as a licensing body, among others, will benefit its members in managing royalty rights as well as safeguarding their welfare in the music industry.

       "Among the members under this body are songwriters; lyricists; singers; musicians in song recordings; music video makers and recording companies,” he said.

       Nanta said that MRS was the seventh licensing body declared as a copyright controller under the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) and empowered to collect music royalties and issue licences to use music to the general public, especially in Sabah.

       The six other recognised bodies include Music Authors’ Copyright Protection Bhd (MACP); Public Performance Malaysia Bhd (PPM); Recording Performers Malaysia Bhd (RPM); MPLC Sdn Bhd; and Music Right (Sarawak) Bhd, he said. - Bernama