THE Malaysian music industry has banded together to seek government assistance in a myriad of issues plaguing the sector.

Malaysian Artistes Association president Freddie Fernandez said 15 of the key associations from the industry have set up a consultative body called Music Malaysia.

He said its main aim is to approach the government to seek assistance in resolving some of the issues faced by the industry.

“Music Malaysia endeavours to be the voice of the local music industry in all the issues they face. The aim is to put forward issues facing the industry and present proposals to resolve them,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Fernandez, who is also Music Malaysia chairman, said some of the issues the group plans to raise are related to taxes on entertainment, regulations on concert organisation, music publishing and recording.

It also wants to look into copyright issues, music education, welfare of singers and musicians, and other related issues.

“For one we have a very high entertainment tax of 25% for concerts, which is a deterrent for concert promoters.

“This has limited the opportunities for artists both local and international to perform here,” said Fernandez.

Music Malaysia is proposing that the government waive the tax for the time being.

“During the pandemic, the tax was 5% and last year it went up to 25%. What we need is for the industry to be stimulated.

“The promoters are already paying so much that it will deter them from getting and promoting other concerts,” said Fernandez.

Another issue, he said, was royalty collection, where too many businesses have been given licences by the government.

“In the past, people only had to pay one body (royalty). Now there are five agencies collecting royalty. So, they have to pay these various agencies.

“And there is confusion over who users have to pay to.

“Users are unhappy and calling for the government to allow for a single agency to collect the royalty.”

On the welfare of musicians, Fernandez said most singers are short of work as entertainment outlets are still recovering from the pandemic.

“The clubs are still recovering and are not able to earn a reasonable income (to hire bands).

“There are also many musicians who are aging and we don’t have sufficient funds to assist them.

“We hope the government can not only look into their welfare but help them with training and development programmes.”

He added that in March, Music Malaysia will be engaging with the Communications and Digital Ministry, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.

“We hope to engage with the ministries and put forward our proposals to better the music industry.”

He also applauded Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim who announced that the government will be allocating RM102 million for the creation of a Digital Content Fund.

Anwar who is also finance minister said this is to promote the work of local artists and to spur the creation of more original productions.

Fernandez said it is a favourable figure for the industry.

“We look forward to the guidelines and how we can apply for the grants.” – February 26, 2023.