The Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the transport ministry have been issued a letter of demand over alleged copyright infringement. Specifically, this is related to the special “MADANI” vehicle number plates that were auctioned off last month.

According to a report by The Edge, Hasan Azhari Hashim, programme director with fundraising consultancy firm Ilham Madani Sdn Bhd, is claiming RM 1.3 million from the two government entities over misuse and violation of his intellectual property rights and copyrights. The letter apparently states that the ministry and JPJ could face legal action if they fail to pay the sum within seven days.

Hasan claims that he was the registered creator and owner of the idea to collaborate with the government in issuing the special number plates “MADANI 1” to “MADANI 999”. The letter purports that he had written several letters to the prime minister since last February to propose the sale, but then he was informed that existing provisions only permit the JPJ to issue the special number plates. Because of this, he alleges that the government had used his idea and this infringed on his copyright.

The MADANI number plates opened up bids for five days from 19 October, netting a total of RM2.62 million from 3,263 successful bidders. As for what the money will be used for, the department stated that it will be distributed towards its various activities including its “old helmet for new” programme and to subsidise driving licences for the poor.