Domestic trade and consumer affairs minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said MRS would carry out royalty collection activities on behalf of local singers, musicians, music video makers and recording companies involving local ethnic groups in Sabah.

“It is also the seventh licensing body declared by the copyright controller under the Malaysian Intellectual Property Corporation (MyIPO) to be authorised to collect music royalties and issue licences.”

The other six authorised licensing bodies are Music Authors Copyright Protection Berhad (MACP), Public Performance Berhad (PPM), Recording Performers Malaysia Berhad (RPM), MPLC (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Malaysia Reprographic Rights Centre Berhad (MARC), and Music Right (Sarawak) Berhad.

He said this after a consumerism appreciation ceremony participated by the domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry and Sabah media as well as consumer NGOs here last night.

Nanta said the recognition of MRS as a licensing body will help manage the royalty rights and welfare of artistes involved in the music industry.

Among those that come under the body are songwriters, lyricists, singers, musicians in song recordings, music video makers and recording companies.