A Man Is Demanding RM1.3 Million From The Govt Over Copyright Of 'MADANI' Licence Plates
He claims the Transport Ministry has unlawfully utilised his idea and copyrighted work.
A businessman is seeking RM1.3 million in compensation from the government, claiming that his copyright was infringed upon by the recently introduced MADANI vehicle licence plates
According to the New Straits Times, Ilham Madani Sdn Bhd director Hasan Azhari Hashim has given the Transport Ministry and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) seven days to settle the matter before filing a civil suit.
In his letter of demand, Hasan claimed that he is the rightful creator of the special 'MADANI' registration number series, which was opened for bidding by JPJ on 19 October.
Hasan claimed that his idea, detailed in his 'Proposal Paper for the Creation of a Special Serial Vehicle Registration Number Madani 1 to Madani 9999 for Registration in Malaysia', is lawfully registered in the Copyright Register under Section 26B of the Copyright Act.
Image via Bernama
The businessman also claimed that he submitted a proposal to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last year, suggesting a collaboration for the sale of the licence plates
However, Hasan alleged that the government rejected his proposal in a series of letters exchanged since last year.
According to the claimant, he received a letter dated 31 October 2023 from the Transport Ministry, which rejected his proposal due to an existing regulation that prohibits the issuance of 'Special Registration Numbers' to private companies, non-governmental organisations, and entities other than JPJ.
However, Hasan learnt that JPJ began issuing the special MADANI series plates to the public last month, with a minimum bid price of RM100
In his letter, Hasan alleged that the government has "unlawfully utilised his idea and copyrighted work, which constitutes a clear infringement of his copyright".
He also claimed that the situation has resulted in "significant financial losses and reputational damage" to him.
As such, Hasan is demanding compensation from the ministry and JPJ, or he will proceed with legal action.
JPJ has previously advised motorists to only install vehicle registration numbers according to the law:
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