Penang: The Penang branch of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry raided a karaoke outlet in a shopping mall here on July 1 over alleged copyright infringement involving the unauthorised use of registered works for commercial purposes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the raid followed a complaint by Music Authors' Copyright Protection (MACP) Berhad, based on intelligence gathered suggesting a breach of the Copyright Act 1987 at the premises. MACP, in a statement, said the karaoke outlet was suspected of publicly playing copyright-protected music under its administration without a valid licence, despite prior warnings and reminders.

'During the raid, authorities seized 13 items suspected of being used in violation of the Copyright Act 1987, including televisions, loudspeakers, microphones, amplifiers and other audio-visual equipment, estimated to be worth RM18,000,' the statement said today. MACP stated that any public performance of copyright-protected music without its authorisation is an offence under the law and therefore urged business operators involved in such activities to immediately obtain a valid MACP licence.

According to the statement, MACP has also identified several other premises across Malaysia for enforcement action. MACP also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting copyright and the livelihood of songwriters in Malaysia, adding that such enforcement operations were a clear reminder that copyright infringement would be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law.