KUALA LUMPUR – Royalty collector Music Authors’ Copyright Protection (MACP) Berhad has filed a lawsuit against concert organiser Hitman Solutions Live Sdn Bhd, accusing the company of using copyrighted music without proper licences at several high-profile events
The lawsuit, filed at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, accuses Hitman Solutions Live Sdn Bhd of infringing the copyrights of various musical works associated with multiple concerts.
These include Bunkface 15 Years of Korang, Raisa Live in Malaysia, Ne-Yo Live in Malaysia (2023), Blue Heart & Soul Tour 2023, and Konsert Jilid Akhir: Ella Puteri Kota.
In addition, MACP claims that Hitman Solutions Live Sdn Bhd has staged other concerts without securing the required licences from MACP.
These concerts are Jubin Nautiyal Live in Malaysia, Sanam Live in Malaysia, Konsert Jilid Akhir: Ella Puteri Kota (Pulau Pinang), Rizky Febian: Berona Day, Konsert Jilid Akhir: Ella Puteri Kota (Sabah), UNDRGRND: Butterfingers, Hujan & Bunkface, Sum 41: Tour of the Setting Sun (The Final Tour), Incubus Live in Malaysia, LOLLA Re:Birth The Experience, Jilid Rockestra Ella: Rockers Juga Manusia, Bring Me The Horizon Live Featuring BABYMETAL, NE-YO: Live in Malaysia (2024), and Arijit Singh Live in Malaysia.
MACP stresses that the legal action is vital for safeguarding the rights of both local and international members against unauthorised use of their copyrighted musical works.
It highlights the necessity for concert organisers to obtain a valid licence from MACP should they wish to use MACP’s copyrighted material at their events, including live performances.
Failure to do so may lead to civil and/or criminal liability for copyright infringement under the Copyright Act 1987, it said.
“This legal action is crucial in upholding and protecting the rights of MACP’s local and international members against any unauthorised use of their copyrighted musical works,” it said in a statement.
“MACP is dedicated to safeguarding its members’ rights and ensuring they are fairly compensated for the use of their works.”
The trial is set to take place in April this year.
As a member society of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), MACP is also responsible for managing and licensing international musical works in Malaysia.
In addition to the legal action, Hitman Solutions has been involved in several high-profile incidents. In May 2024, a controversial event took place on a chartered train operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB).
The Pinkfish Express, billed as Southeast Asia’s first festival train, was the venue for a dance festival that sparked backlash from PAS, who labelled it an “immoral activity” and criticised KTMB for hosting it. Photos and videos shared on Pinkfish’s social media platforms showed partygoers dancing while DJs performed. KTMB responded by stating it would review and improve its guidelines for chartered train services to prevent such incidents in the future.
Furthermore, Hitman Solutions has been in the spotlight following a tragic incident at another event they co-organised. Police have confirmed the deaths of two men and two women who attended the “Pinkfish” EDM concert at Sunway Lagoon’s Surf Beach on January 2, 2024.
The victims, aged between 20 and 40, were reported by the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) after they were found deceased following the concert.
The event, which featured DJs such as Blasterjaxx, Cosmic Gate, and Sara Landry, attracted over 18,000 attendees. Authorities are awaiting post-mortem results to determine the exact cause of death, with investigations ongoing.
“Organiser for concerts, events and festivals such as the recent Pinkfish Countdown 2024 held in Subang Jaya, Selangor are legally required to obtain a valid license from MACP if they wish to perform or play at MACP’s copyrighted musical works at their events, including live concerts,” MACP said in the statement. – January 21, 2025