CELEBRITY politician Altimet is concerned about the threat of digital piracy to the survival of Malaysian artistes and encourages the government to come up with new ways to tackle the problem.
The rapper and songwriter, who is also Lembah Jaya state assemblyman, said changes are needed in line with technology advancements in the local creative industry.
"I voice this because I don't want digital piracy to affect the future of our children and impoverish creative industry workers.
"The way our listeners enjoy music and watch movies has changed... It is time for the government to find a new approach to fighting piracy," he said in a 'Berita Harian' report.
Altimet, whose real name is Syed Ahmad Syed Abdul Rahman Alhadad, cited anti-drug laws as an example.
"It's not to say that existing laws (against digital piracy) are not strong, but reform is needed. It's the same with anti-drug laws.
"Before, drugs were only produced from plants. But they are now produced in labs using chemicals.
"If we don't reform the law, how will we deal with the drug abuse cases of today?"
Altimet, 46, urged the government to also raise more awareness of its efforts to fight digital piracy.
"The most important yet challenging thing the government needs to do is to change the people's mindset so that they learn to respect intellectual property (IP).
"We know that our people respect the property of others. But when it involves non-physical property, such as IP, they fail.
"We often use South Korea's creative arts industry as an example. But, we don't follow their ways. People there don't watch or listen to other people's music illegally.
"So, the government needs to be more effective in instilling awareness that listening to or watching other people's work illegally is wrong," he said.
Altimet vowed to keep speaking out against piracy until there are definitive solutions.
"I understand there are many things that need the government's attention. But we will try to get their attention on this issue as well.
"In this case, I can only do my best and the rest, I rely on God. It's like taking an exam, we study hard but God determines the outcome.
"I believe in all of our efforts and if they don't work in our favour, then I will try again."
Altimet is also using social media to highlight his efforts to raise greater awareness.
"It took me some time to understand and gain some knowledge on various matters concerning the rights of creative artistes.
"So I now share what I know on social media to save time for others and so that my fellow artistes can be more aware of their rights.
"Anyone who wants to watch and learn, or wants to correct me if what I say is wrong, is most welcome to do so," he said.