KUALA LUMPUR: Ipoh City Council (MBI) has become the nation's first local authority (PBT) to ink a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Music Authors' Copyright Protection (MACP).
In a news report yesterday, Ipoh's mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin said: "This memorandum will indirectly help to develop a solid and strategic relationship."
"This partnership will ensure that Radio TV Bandaraya Ipoh (RTBI) as well as public performances at events will obtain valid licences from MACP," he said during the MoU signing ceremony at the MBI office in Ipoh, Perak yesterday.
The signing was witnessed by MACP chairman Datuk M. Nasir and MACP general manager Mary Yap.
Rumaizi added that this was in line with the aspiration and initiative of MBI to develop Ipoh into an arts city and the recent effort provides an example of how MBI is serious about upholding the rights of music artistes.
"This shows that the intellectual rights have to be respected and that the artistes must receive appropriate compensation for their work," he said.
Rumaizi added that, "their works will become our high value cultural heritage and assets."
Meanwhile, M. Nasir expressed his gratitude towards MBI for its efforts in recognising the value of local music works.
"Before an MoU such as this, we would not have been able to receive anything from activities (related to music) that take place here in Ipoh.
"On behalf of MACP I am very thankful to the mayor of Ipoh who has realised this and has been very aware of the works of the creative community that should be championed, so this is a really good effort," he said.