MRSB capable of developing creative industry further in Sarawak

KUCHING, Feb 26 -- The announcement of Music Rights Sarawak Berhad (MRSB) as the licencing body responsible for the collection of music royalties for Sarawak’s music artistes is seen as capable of developing the creative industry further in the state.

 Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said it was also a good move to protect the rights of composers from Sarawak and at the same time give them the optimum benefit in the music industry.

“Through the expansion of its functions, MRSB can help intensify Sarawak's creative industry, especially in managing the rights of recording artistes in the state to ensure their survival by generating royalty income,” he said.

He said this in his speech at the presentation of the licencing certificate to MRSB here today.

With the certificate, MRSB is now one of the licencing bodies announced by the Copyrights Controller under the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) which is given the authority to collect music royalties and at the same time represent exclusive owner members and creators of musical works, sound recordings and performances of Sarawak ethnic performers.

To date, MRSB has 963 members comprising songwriters, lyricists, singers, musicians in song recordings, music video makers and recording companies.

 -- BERNAMA