Fifteen associations in the Malaysian music industry have teamed up to establish Music Malaysia, a confederation of music associations aimed at improving the local music scene.
According to chairman Datuk Freddie Fernandez, who's also the President of the Malaysian Artistes Association (Karyawan), Music Malaysia will be actively involved in solving problems that are currently plaguing the music industry.
These include high taxes on concerts and entertainment, regulations pertaining to concerts, royalty issues that have been unsolved for 20 years, job opportunities for artistes and the welfare of local musicians, among others.
"We recognise the government's desire to make changes and improvements in the music industry and are hopeful that all problems in the music industry will be given full attention by the government, especially the ministries related to music," Fernandez said in a statement.
Among the 15 associations registered with Music Malaysia include Karyawan, the Sarawak Arts Armada Association (ARAS), Malaysian Recording Industry Consortium Association (Irama), Kedah State Musicians' Association and Malaysian Chinese Artistes' Association (AMCA).
While Music Malaysia is officially registered with the Registrar of Societies (ROS) in September 2021, the confederation is only commencing activities now as the current political atmosphere in the country is more stable.
"An official launch ceremony will be held in March. We are currently in the process of reviewing applications from many more music bodies in the country to be part of the confederation and to move together with one united voice to achieve our mission and vision of creating a thriving and successful music industry," Fernandez concluded.
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