K -KOMM proposes to take over the management of royalties, the welfare of the singer – Zahidi
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (K-KOMM) is holding discussions in an effort to take over the aspects of royalty management and welfare of singing artists from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP).
Deputy Minister of Communications and Multimedia, Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin said currently K-KOMM is only responsible for managing the welfare of individuals involved in the film and drama industry.
He said that following a dispute among associations involving singing artists on the issue of royalties before, K-KOMM intends to take over the management related to the issue to ensure the welfare of all children of artists is protected.
“Now K-KOMM only manages artists who are not singers, because singers are managed by KPDNHEP, whether it involves royalties and so on.
“But, in terms of welfare issues, they are quite problematic because the association (singers) are in conflict and the money from royalty collection for the welfare of singers is a problem.
“We are discussing in the Creative Industry Task Force to bring them (management involving singing artists) to K-KOMM,” he said at the Dewan Rakyat today.
He said this in response to a question from Dr Maszlee Malik (PH-Simpang Renggam) who asked about the ministry’s efforts and incentives to help actors and artists save through the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
Commenting further, Zahidi said the task force set up by the ministry also involved industry representatives and associations such as the Film Producers Association (PFM), Malaysian Artists Association (SENIMAN), Malaysian Film Professionals Association (PROFIMA), Malaysian Film Directors Association (FDAM) and others- another.
source – Astro Awani
