Malaysia’s music CMOs raise concerns over new guidelines; IP lawyer weighs in
31 March 2025
Malaysia’s collective management organizations (CMOs) – Music Authors’ Copyright Protection (MACP), Public Performance Malaysia (PPM) and Recording Performers Malaysia (RPM) – have jointly expressed concern over the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia’s (MyIPO) newly published 2025 guidelines. They expressed worry over the mandated increase in transparency and accountability, which includes requirements for detailed financial records, comprehensive distribution policies and extensive public disclosures on their websites.
The CMOs argue that the guidelines were finalized without consultation, contain provisions that exceed the scope of the Copyright Act 1987 and infringe on their operational autonomy. They highlight the severe consequences of non-compliance, including potential revocation of their CMO status, and warn of unforeseen negative impacts on copyright owners and the broader Malaysian music industry.
Gooi Yang Shuh I partner @ Messrs Skrine, Kuala Lumpur
“I believe MyIPO’s intention with the guidelines, which is to emphasize openness, transparency and accountability, is laudable and a step in the right direction,” said Gooi Yang Shuh, a partner at Messrs Skrine in Kuala Lumpur. “Having perused the minutes of annual general meetings of certain CMOs in the past, I have noted that certain stakeholders have expressed frustration over the openness of the process of inspecting records.”
He added: “At the same time, given that the guidelines directly and substantively impact the CMOs’ operations, it is understandable that they would have expected MyIPO to seek their views in the drafting process, so that a more balanced framework could have been developed. I believe the CMOs view the guidelines to be too onerous and place impractical obligations – especially the risk that their declarations can be revoked for any non-compliance. I imagine that they consider this to be an extreme measure.”
- Excel V. Dyquiangco
