KUALA LUMPUR: Music producers' organisation the Recording Industry Association of Malaysia (RIM) hosted a tribute to entertainment industry veterans, themed Sumbangan Rahmah Industri Muzik 2024, yesterday.
The charity dinner supported by Public Performance Malaysia (PPM) was also attended by Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Ali and more than 50 artistes, musicians, entertainment journalists and television personalities.
It was held at the Pullman KLCC Hotel in Jalan Conlay at 8pm in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and was aimed at providing financial assistance to infirm members of the industry as well as those facing financial hardships.
Singer Ernie Zakri and pop group Dolla were given special honours by RIM.
Ernie was honoured for topping the Gen 98.7FM radio chart of Indonesia with her duet with Indonesian singer Govinda titled Masing-Masing.
Dolla was honoured for representing the country in China's reality talent show Show It All.
Ernie said: "It's a great start for 2024 for me with this achievement.
"I plan to sing more duets with established and promising new singers from neighbouring countries such as Indonesia and Singapore.
"Working with the best makes me get out of my comfort zone and thrive as an international artiste."
Dolla's lead vocalist Sabrina Rusli said: "It's always an honour to perform overseas and be recognised for it.
"The three of us — Angel Chai, Tabby Lam and I — plus our former teammate Syasya Shahrizal are delighted for this recognition."
RIM chairman Rosmin Hashim said that the programme which was launched on May 31 last year was an extension of their emergency fund.
"To date our fund has helped 48 industry practitioners," he said, adding that RIM was going all out to assist the industry's many unsung heroes who worked hard on stage as well as off stage.
A total of 21 industry veterans received financial aid from RIM and they included singers Roy, Fredo, Isma Aliff, Azman Warren, To'Ki, Mel and Zydee Edris, musicians Shuib of Freedom, Lord Lokman, Raja Zainal of BPR and Iskandar of Spring, entertainment journalist Nas Ahmad and actor Cico Harahap.
Rosmin also called on the government to extend copyright protection for heirs of deceased artistes to 70 years instead of the current 50 in line with international standards.
Armizan assured Rosmin that his ministry and the Communications Ministry were deliberating RIM's proposal.
