When The Music Stops: Illegal Tracks Leads to Big Trouble in Penang 🎤

By: Nur Farisha Adriana

Case: Karaoke Raid in Pulau Pinang

What was meant to be just another enjoyable karaoke night in Penang took a dramatic turn in September 2024 when two entertainment venues ultimately took a negative turn. Following a surprise raid, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) and the Recording Industry Association of Malaysia (RIM) discovered unlawful copyright infringement.

It was discovered that the venues were playing 14 copyrighted Malay songs without the required licenses by employing duplicate music software. Although this might not seem like much to the typical listener, it is a significant infraction under Malaysia's Copyright Act 1987. Owners of businesses that employ music, such as karaoke lounges, are required to obtain a public performance license from entities such as Public Performance Malaysia or Music Rights Malaysia.

No such licenses were discovered in this instance.

Figure 1. Bernama official post regarding the case

The raid led to the confiscation of:

• 3 CPUs (which likely stored the pirated music files),

• 3 audio mixers,

• 3 wireless microphones, and

• 2 hard drives.

To people who frequent the karaoke, you will instantly recognise that these weren’t just random electronics—they are the core of the (unlicensed) karaoke system.

The business owners now face possible charges under Section 41(1) of the Copyright Act, which carries heavy consequences:

• Fines up to RM 20,000 per infringing copy,

• Or up to 5 years’ jail time,

• Or both.

This situation is more than just a legal case—it’s a wake-up call to entertainment businesses across Malaysia.

Relation to the Creative Industry:

This incident highlights an important message: music is not free when used for profit. It’s easy to take creative work for granted, especially when a song is just a click away, but behind every beat is a composer, a lyricist, and a performer whose rights deserve protection.

When pirated music is used in entertainment venues without proper licensing, it robs artists of their rightful earnings. This case sends a strong message: Malay composers, lyricists, and performers deserve to be paid for their work. It reminds the public that creativity isn’t free—it’s a profession, and professionals should be respected and compensated.

The Penang karaoke raid serves as a clear reminder: if you’re using music in your business, make sure you’re doing it legally. Because when enforcement comes knocking, even a night of fun can turn into a legal nightmare.