Latest news with #MACP
Barnama
5 days ago
- Barnama
Penang Karaoke Outlet Raided Over Copyright Violation
GEORGE TOWN, July 18 (Bernama) -- 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. 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.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Karaoke premise in Penang raided for copyright infringement
GEORGE TOWN: A karaoke establishment in Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang was raided for music copyright infringement by the enforcement officers of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry - Penang Northeast Branch, following a complaint made by Music Authors' Copyright Protection Bhd (MACP). MACP said in a statement today that after extensive intelligence gathering on the establishment, the raid was conducted for suspected violation of the Copyright Act 1987 on July 1. It was suspected that the karaoke establishment was, amongst others, publicly performing copyrighted music administered by MACP without a MACP licence, despite several warnings and reminders. "During the raid, 13 pieces of equipment suspected to violate the Copyright Act 1987 were seized by authorities, including televisions, speakers, microphones, amplifiers, and other audio-video gear, estimated to be worth RM18,000," said the statement. "If found guilty, the owners of the karaoke establishment will face imprisonment or a fine, or both." The statement added: "Any public performance of copyrighted music without MACP's authorisation is an offence under the Copyright Act 1987. "MACP strongly advises all businesses that play or perform copyrighted music on their premises to secure a valid MACP licence immediately, as several other establishments have been identified throughout Malaysia for similar enforcement actions. "MACP reaffirms its commitment to upholding and respecting copyright laws, protecting the livelihoods of songwriters, and combating copyright infringement against its members.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Punjab turns to retired specialists to fix crippling doctor shortage in public hospitals
Chandigarh: With nearly half of Punjab's sanctioned specialist doctor posts lying vacant, state govt has turned to its retired medical workforce in a last-ditch effort to plug widening gaps in public healthcare. In a move both pragmatic and desperate, the health department has invited retired govt doctors to apply for 100 contractual posts of consultants (specialist doctors) across district hospitals, sub-divisional hospitals, and community health centres (CHCs). This recruitment drive comes amid a deepening crisis in Punjab's healthcare system. Of the 2,098 sanctioned specialist posts, 990 (47%) remain vacant. The situation is no better in the general medical officer cadre, where 1,962 of 3,847 posts (51%) are unfilled. Irregular recruitment cycles and growing attrition have compounded the shortage, with previous efforts to hire yielding underwhelming results. In 2022, the state attempted to recruit 634 specialist doctors, but faced a poor response. Recently, out of 170 advertised posts, only 60 doctors joined. Experts attribute this reluctance to factors such as pay disparities, frequent deployment for VVIP duties, and lack of emergency medical staff, which often forces specialists to handle tasks outside their core responsibilities — including post-mortems and emergency coverage. The health department is now banking on the experience of retired PCMS specialists, aged between 58 and 64 years, to fill critical service gaps. The upper age limit for appointment is 65, and applicants must be free of disciplinary proceedings. The 100 consultant posts will be distributed across specialties — 21 in paediatrics, 20 each in obstetrics and gynaecology, and general medicine, 15 in general surgery, 13 in anaesthesia, seven in radiology, and four in psychiatry. Appointments will be on a contractual basis for one year, extendable annually based on performance and departmental approval. Consultants will perform only clinical duties — outpatient, inpatient, and emergency care — and will be exempt from medico-legal, administrative, or post-mortem responsibilities. They will not be allowed to engage in private practice during the contractual period. Applications are being accepted via email from July 12 to 22, with counselling scheduled for July 25 in Chandigarh. Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) president Dr Akhil Sarin described it as a "step in the right direction" toward improving healthcare access for the poor and underserved. He noted that walk-in interviews for an additional 160 specialist posts are also in the pipeline. Dr Sarin added that planned reforms, including the restoration of the modified assured career progression (MACP) scheme and enhanced security measures, which are nearing implementation, could play a crucial role in improving recruitment and retention in the public health cadre. "The govt's renewed focus on reinforcing clinical manpower is encouraging," Dr Sarin said. "If supported with systemic reforms, these measures can significantly ease pressure on public hospitals. " BOXES Under Court Scrutiny The crisis has also caught the attention of the judiciary. The Punjab and Haryana high court, hearing a public interest litigation filed by one Bhisham Kinger of Malerkotla, has directed the principal secretary, health, to submit a detailed affidavit on infrastructure and manpower gaps in govt health facilities. The court has also asked for an update on the status and timeline of the ongoing recruitment process. Pay disparities to blame Experts attribute the reluctance of specialists to join service in Punjab to factors such as pay disparities, frequent deployment for VVIP duties, and lack of emergency medical staff They say this often forces specialists to handle tasks outside their core responsibilities, including post-mortems and emergency coverage Of 2,098 sanctioned specialist posts in Punjab, 990 (47%) remain vacant. The situation is no better in the general medical officer cadre, where 1,962 of 3,847 posts (51%) are unfilled
New Straits Times
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Man Senoi: No need for 4U2C permission to upload songs on digital platforms
KUALA LUMPUR: Composer Man Senoi, whose real name is Othman Masri, 72, and his wife, Ramziah Mohamed Noor, 62, also known as Mama Rap, do not need to obtain approval from 4U2C members when uploading their songs to Spotify. Man Senoi said that the songs in question are entirely their intellectual property and are protected by the Music Authors' Copyright Protection (MACP). "I have consulted a lawyer about this matter. We've been informed that we have full rights to these songs," he explained. "We don't need to refer to 4U2C. They can claim royalties as performers (singers) with Recording Performers Malaysia (RPM). It's clear that our company, Zman Productions, owns the 'sound audio' and the rights to the 25 'sound recordings' of 4U2C songs belong to Man Senoi," he told Harian Metro. Man Senoi added that he had submitted the songs to MACP, accepted their decision, and did not wish to prolong the matter. He made these comments in response to a statement by Datuk AC Mizal and 4U2C at a recent press conference, concerning the copyright dispute over 4U2C's songs with concert organiser Juss Event. The conflict initially arose when the founder of 4U2C claimed that no party, including 4U2C members or concert organisers, had contacted him for permission, despite Zman Productions holding the rights to 25 songs performed by 4U2C. During the recent press conference, AC Mizal announced that the concert would proceed as planned, following approval from the MACP. He reportedly said that they had obtained a valid licence from MACP to perform the songs live with a band. AC Mizal reportedly explained that, under the Copyright Act 1987, singers do not need to obtain permission from the creator to perform live, provided they do not alter the song's structure or republish it as a recording.
New Straits Times
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 4U2C concert to proceed despite copyright row, group demands apology
KUALA LUMPUR: Despite being embroiled in controversies, including allegations regarding copyright and song ownership, 1990s hip-hop group 4U2C is pressing ahead with their WE 4U2C Live In Concert project. The group, famed for their hit song "Fiona," is set to fulfil their promise to perform at the Idea Live Arena, Petaling Jaya, on Sept 15. Speaking on behalf of 4U2C, Datuk AC Mizal, whose real name is Mizal Zaini, asserted the group's right to stage the concert following guidelines from the Music Authors' Copyright Protection (MACP). "I would like to announce that we have received the MACP permit. This concert will go ahead," AC Mizal said at a press conference today. He further explained, "According to the Malaysian Copyright Act 1987, via MACP, every live performance using 'live' music does not require consent from the songwriter. This is because the songwriter has transferred the ownership rights to MACP for commercialisation." AC Mizal stressed the group's respect for property rights. "We don't want to deny property rights. When issues arise, we will respond, especially regarding property rights. We made this reference before the WE 4U2C Live In Concert project was announced," he added. Also present at the press conference were Shasha Marican, a representative from the organiser, Juss Event Sdn Bhd, their lawyer, Carlos Mak Chuen Yuan from the law firm Tang Kong Hai and Tui, and other members of the music group. The issue surrounding the 4U2C concert arose when composer Man Senoi (real name Othman Masri, 72) and his wife Ramziah Mohamed Noor (62), known as Mama Rap, reportedly disputed 4U2C's intention to stage the concert. Man Senoi and Mama Rap claimed they hold the rights to 25 of the group's songs. To clear their "tarnished name and reputation," AC Mizal announced that the organisers are demanding an apology within 24 hours from several individuals who allegedly issued "untrue and misleading statements" about the concert. "We will not tolerate any false statements and demand an apology within 24 hours," he warned. AC Mizal confirmed that all necessary licences and permits from the authorities have been secured for the concert. "Unfortunately, we discovered that a third party recently issued false statements against 4U2C. So, we demand that they make an open apology to the media and the public within 24 hours," he reiterated, adding that legal action would be taken if the parties involved fail to apologise as requested. AC Mizal expressed surprise that the song ownership issue was raised, especially since he hadn't yet announced which songs would be performed at the concert. "Maybe I'll sing an English, Indian or Chinese song... There must be a certain agenda," he mused. He also claimed that ticket sales for WE 4U2C Live In Concert have been affected by the controversy. "Before this issue arose, 70 per cent of tickets had been sold. Many people may be worried if this concert is cancelled following the controversy that has arisen," he explained. Regarding Man Senoi's claim over the 25 songs, another 4U2C member, Azam, denied the assertion. "I have been a member of MACP since 1992 and am still active. Many people don't know that not all songs in the 4U2C collection are under the ownership of our former manager," Azam clarified. "The hit songs were created by Joe, and I created 'Kami Rapper.' In our first album, Man Senoi only has three songs. We have two full albums and a mini album, and for each album, he (Man Senoi) only composed three songs," Azam elaborated. "He claims that all the songs are his; I'm disappointed. This issue shouldn't have arisen. In fact, about 70 per cent of the songs are ours," he said. Previously, Man Senoi was reported to have claimed that no party, including the concert organisers, had contacted him to request permission regarding the "sound audio" or recording material owned by Zman Productions before the concert was to be staged. 4U2C was a recording artiste under Zman Productions, owned by Man Senoi and Ramziah. However, their relationship reportedly soured after the release of their second studio album, leading to a court dispute that Zman Productions reportedly won.
