PETALING JAYA: The welfare of singers including issues on royalty may soon come under the purview of the Communications and Multimedia Ministry.

       Deputy Minister Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin said they are in discussions to take over from the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry.

       Zahidi noted the creative industry task force, which aims to study and facilitate ways to improve the creative industry, does not include singers who are under the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, which handles their royalties, among others.

       “In terms of their welfare, it is a problem as their associations are in conflict with one another and the royalty collection for the welfare of the singers has become a problem.

       “We are discussing this issue (EPF) in the task force," he said in reply to a question raised by Dr Maszlee Malik (PH – Simpang Renggam) in Dewan Rakyat on Monday (March 21).

       Maszlee had asked about the Ministry’s efforts to help actors and artists by allowing them to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).

       Zahidi said the issue was also being discussed by the task force.

       “This is because we have to listen to the views of various associations. If possible, we would like the associations to agree to what we would implement,” he said.