Recording industry group defends royalty payment guidelines challenge

The Recording Industry Association of Malaysia (RIM) has rejected claims that Public Performance Malaysia (PPM) is its collection body. In a statement, RIM defended the legal challenge against the Malaysian Intellectual Property Corporation (MyIPO)’s copyright guidelines, which were presented by PPM and collective management organisations (CMO).

RIM affirmed that PPM and the CMOs support transparency and good governance for creators' benefit, but certain provisions in the issued guidelines necessitated judicial review. RIM declined to comment on the challenge's merits while the matter is pending in court. The organization also clarified that PPM is an independent entity with its own members and board of directors.

Karyawan, a Malaysian artists' association, criticized RIM's request for government funds to promote Malaysian music internationally, stating that it is challenging the copyright guidelines alongside two other CMOs in court. RIM chairman Rosmin Hashim proposed a dedicated fund in the 2027 budget to help local music reach the global stage, but Karyawan argued that the real issue lies in accountability, with artists raising concerns over delayed royalty payments and lack of transparency in collection calculations and distribution.

RIM maintains that concerns over individual artists' royalty payments should be addressed separately and not used as proof that the entire system lacks transparency. The industry group's call for a dedicated music fund aims to support international showcases, overseas promotion, digital marketing, and collaborations, complementing rather than competing with domestic market development.