KOTA KINABALU: The Music Authors’ Copyright Protection (MACP) Berhad will introduce two new award categories dedicated to ethnic music from Sabah and Sarawak at the MACP Awards beginning next year.
The initiative is part of efforts to be more inclusive while acknowledging the contributions of ethnic music creators from both East Malaysian states.
Roger Wang, East Malaysia’s representative on the MACP Board of Directors, said the decision reflects the uniqueness of Sabah and Sarawak’s music industries rooted in their ethnic languages.
He noted that while ethnic songs are popular within their home states, many remain underappreciated nationally despite their strong cultural and creative value.
The new categories are still being finalised, with winners to be determined through royalty data based on song revenue collection.
MACP is also refining criteria for defining an ethnic song, recognising that some works may use Malay lyrics but still carry distinct local context and character.
Roger explained that the categories are not intended to compete with local collective management organisations in Sabah and Sarawak but to complement broader efforts in protecting composers’ rights.
He said MACP and state-level bodies each have their respective roles, with composers free to choose the platform that best represents their creative focus.
The announcement was made during the MACP East Malaysia Roadshow (Sabah) 2025, which gathered more than 100 composers, artists, lyricists and influencers in Kota Kinabalu.
MACP Chief Executive Officer Mary Yap added that the roadshow was designed to strengthen ties with Sabah’s creative community and raise awareness about copyright and economic rights.
The initiative is part of efforts to be more inclusive while acknowledging the contributions of ethnic music creators from both East Malaysian states.
Roger Wang, East Malaysia’s representative on the MACP Board of Directors, said the decision reflects the uniqueness of Sabah and Sarawak’s music industries rooted in their ethnic languages.
He noted that while ethnic songs are popular within their home states, many remain underappreciated nationally despite their strong cultural and creative value.
The new categories are still being finalised, with winners to be determined through royalty data based on song revenue collection.
MACP is also refining criteria for defining an ethnic song, recognising that some works may use Malay lyrics but still carry distinct local context and character.
Roger explained that the categories are not intended to compete with local collective management organisations in Sabah and Sarawak but to complement broader efforts in protecting composers’ rights.
He said MACP and state-level bodies each have their respective roles, with composers free to choose the platform that best represents their creative focus.
The announcement was made during the MACP East Malaysia Roadshow (Sabah) 2025, which gathered more than 100 composers, artists, lyricists and influencers in Kota Kinabalu.
MACP Chief Executive Officer Mary Yap added that the roadshow was designed to strengthen ties with Sabah’s creative community and raise awareness about copyright and economic rights.
