27/10/2024
MABOPA PRESS RELEASE
MABOPA Emphasizes Importance of Copyright Management at "National Seminar on Managing Copyright in Malaysia Education"
Kuala Lumpur, October 8, 2024 – The Malaysia Book Publishers Association (MABOPA) took center stage today at the "National Seminar on Managing Copyright in Malaysia Education", co-organized by the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO), the Malaysia Reprographic Rights Centre (MARC), the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisation (IFRRO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
The seminar, which highlighted the significance of copyright protection in the education sector, saw key stakeholders from various industries gather to address the evolving landscape of copyright in Malaysia. Mr. Sheikh Faisal Sheikh Mansor, President of MABOPA, moderated a crucial session on "Managing the Use of Copyright Material in Schools", where issues related to the illegal reproduction of educational materials were discussed in depth.
The whole day seminar which has five session featured expert panelists including Ms. Sarah Quynh Tran, Head of Regional Policy and Public Affairs at IFRRO, Ms. Miyuki Monroig, Program Officer at the Copyright Division of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Mr. Noor Aliff Musa, Director of the Copyright Division at the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO), Puan Aniza binti Kamarulzaman, Director of the Educational Resources and Technology Division at the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, Prof Madya Rohaizar Wati binti Zuallcobley, Chairman of the Copyright Tribunal Malaysia, Ms. Ada Lee, Senior Solicitor at the Copyright Hong Kong Intellectual Property Office, Puan Kala Devi Kailasam, Head of the Intellectual Property Unit at the Department of Enforcement, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Mr. Sum Lih Kang, Executive Director of Pelangi Berhad, Prof. Dr. Nazura Abdul Manap, Deputy Chairman of the Copyright Tribunal Malaysia, and Dr. Siti Fariza Mohamad Isa, Senior Assistant Director Instructional and Digital Learning, Ministry of Higher Education.
Mr. Sheikh Faisal emphasized that while educational materials must be accessible, the protection of intellectual property rights is vital for the sustainability of the publishing industry. He called for greater awareness and enforcement of copyright laws to prevent unauthorized use of books and teaching materials in schools, which undermines the hard work and creativity of authors, publishers, and illustrators.
MABOPA supports and has given mandate on the establishment of Collective Management Organizations (CMOs), such as MARC, to manage and protect the rights of publishers and authors. Mr. Jim Alexander, IFRRO Consultant and former Chief Executive of the Copyright Agency in Australia, shared insights on how CMOs in other countries have successfully managed copyright in educational settings. His discussion emphasized the importance of proper licensing and fair compensation for the use of copyrighted materials in schools, which can benefit both educators and rights holders.
"The balance between access to educational materials and the protection of creators' rights must be carefully managed. Publishers need fair remuneration for their work, and the education sector needs licensed access to high-quality content," said Sheikh Faisal.
During the seminar, Arief Hakim Sani Rahmat, Managing Director of PTS Publications and a prominent figure in Malaysia’s publishing industry, delivered an impassioned plea regarding the extremely low licensing fees that MARC (Malaysia Reprographic Rights Centre) is currently asking from the Ministry of Education (MOE) for the reproduction of copyrighted materials in schools.
Arief expressed his deep frustration, stating that the fees charged per student in primary and secondary schools in Malaysia are among the lowest in the world. In a powerful comparison, he remarked, “The fees are even lower than in the poorest country, Zambia.” He pointed out that the rates are so minimal that they are equivalent to the cost of entering a public toilet, suggesting that
the value placed on the intellectual property of authors and publishers is being severely underestimated.
He passionately voiced his concerns about how authors and publishers’ hard work is being devalued, stating that the current situation is pushing creators to the brink. “Our effort and dedication are going down the drain,” Arief lamented, highlighting the severe consequences of such undervaluation. During his address, Arif Hakim Sani Rahmat expressed deep frustration not only about the extremely low licensing fees set by MARC for the reproduction of educational materials, but also about the fact that, despite these minimal fees, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has yet to secure a license with MARC. Arif lamented, “Even with the lowest fees in the world, the MOE still hasn’t taken a license with MARC.” His words reflected the growing discontent within the publishing industry, where creators and publishers are left without proper remuneration for the use of their works in schools.
He emphasized that this inaction by the MOE, despite the unbelievably low fees comparable to a public toilet entry fee, is further worsening the situation for authors and publishers. He called for urgent measures to ensure that the MOE recognizes the need for such licenses, underscoring that failing to do so disregards the hard work and rights of content creators who are essential in producing the educational resources used across Malaysia.
"Without a proper licensing system in place, authors and publishers continue to suffer, and their intellectual property is exploited with no compensation," Arief emphasized, urging for immediate resolution and cooperation between MARC and the MOE to safeguard the future of educational publishing in Malaysia.
MABOPA stands firm in its belief that strong copyright protection and effective management will benefit the entire creative ecosystem in Malaysia. The association urges stakeholders in education, government, and the publishing industry to collaborate closely to develop solutions that allow educational institutions to use copyrighted materials responsibly and legally. As Malaysia continues to position itself as a growing hub for creative industries, protecting the intellectual property rights of local creators, authors, and publishers will remain a top priority.
MABOPA reaffirms its commitment to working with government agencies like MyIPO and international organizations like WIPO to strengthen copyright laws and ensure that the publishing industry remains sustainable.
For more information, kindly call MABOPA Copyright Committee Mr. Ahmed Hussain at 012-215 5535
