Transport Minister Anthony Loke has responded to a businessman’s RM1.3 million damages claim for alleged copyright infringement involving the MADANI vehicle registration plates. During a press conference earlier today, he remarked that the individual is welcome to “try his luck” if he intends to pursue legal action against the Transport Ministry and the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
The claim stems from a letter of demand submitted on 5 November 2024 by Ilham Madani Sdn Bhd programme director Hasan Azhari Hashim. The document states that he is seeking RM1.3 million in damages for the alleged misuse of intellectual property related to the Special Number Plate (NPI) Programme for Serial Vehicles “MADANI 1” to “MADANI 9999.” Notably, the recent auction for the number plate series in question, held between 19 and 23 October 2024, generated RM2.62 million in revenue.
Loke clarified that the registration of vehicle numbers is strictly governed by the Road Transport Act 1987. Under this law, the authority to approve any vehicle registration number, including NPIs, lies solely with the transport minister. This underscores that decisions on such matters are within his jurisdiction.
“There is no question of any party having intellectual property rights over any special registration number,” the transport minister said. “If he wants to sue, let him try his luck.”
Loke further explained that, according to the Malaysian Intellectual Property Corporation (MyIPO), copyright laws do not extend to vehicle registration plates themselves but are limited to documentation. He assured that the ministry would respond to the claim appropriately, with the Attorney General’s Office (AGC) handling the legal aspects.
(Source: Bernama)
