Public urged not to use Sukma Sarawak 2024 mascot, logo for commercial purposes

Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, July 31: The members of the public are urged not to use the mascot and logo of Sukma Sarawak 2024 for commercial and profit purposes.

Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said just like other international sport events such as Sea Games or Olympics, the organiser of Malaysia Games (Sukma) has the right over its logo and other trademarks.

“It must not be reproduced or plagiarised unless permission has been given—Sukma’s logo, mascot, etc, have been registered under Copyright Act 1987 (Act 332).

“Therefore, I hope those out there will not plagiarise or make their own merchandises and profit from it.

“If they want to do so, they will have to ask permission from the organiser first,” he told reporters after a press conference on Borneo Sonic Music Festival 2024 held at Baitulmakmur 2 Building here today.

Asked whether media agencies are also required to submit an official request to Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) to use the Sukma Sarawak 2024 logo and mascot, Abdul Karim clarified that the ban is only imposed on members of the public intending to profit from the designs.

“The warning of copyright infringement only applies to those intending to make merchandise such as mugs, t-shirts, etc, using the Sukma logo.

“The media is a different story where we would love for them to provide exposure on Sukma, not to tie them down.

“I believe the media are using the logo and mascot not to promote the merchandise but more on providing news coverage,” he added.

Yesterday (July 30), SMA issued a press release, warning of legal action against the unauthorised reproduction and use of the Sukma Sarawak 2024 logo and mascot.

Exemption does not extend to the commercial use of the designs by businesses on merchandise or trading purposes without proper authorisation.

Earlier today however, SMA general manager Dato Anderson Tiong in an official letter to Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) director Samuel Simon said media agencies are granted permission to use the logo and mascot of Sukma Sarawak 2024 without the need to submit an official request to the authority. — DayakDaily