Music icon M Nasir sues MyTeksi for RM5m over unauthorised promo

KUALA LUMPUR- National music icon Datuk M Nasir and his company Luncai Emas Sdn Bhd have filed a lawsuit against MyTeksi Sdn Bhd (Grab Malaysia), alleging that the company used his name and brand without permission for commercial promotional purposes on its platform.

The lawsuit was filed by M Nasir, whose full name is Mohd Nasir Mohamed, 69, together with Luncai Emas through the law firm Zulpadli & Edham at the High Court here on April 27, naming MyTeksi as the defendant.

Case management has been scheduled for June 29 via e-Review before Deputy Registrar S Malarselvi.

According to the writ of summons and statement of claim obtained by the media today, the plaintiffs allege that the defendant used the name and brand "M. Nasir” in promoting a coffee beverage marketed as "M. Nasir’s Favorite” ("Kegemaran M. Nasir”) through the defendant’s official Instagram account without authorisation.

The plaintiffs stated that on April 23 2025, the defendant uploaded an advertisement through the Instagram accounts @grabmy and @grabfoodmy, featuring a cup and a can of coffee labeled "GrabFood” and "GrabMart” to promote products or services offered through the company’s platform.

"In addition to the advertisement, the caption used was ‘M. Nasir’s favorite coffees,’ followed by the phrase ‘Grab has both,’ which directly referred to M Nasir and created the impression that the products or services were associated with him,” according to the statement of claim.

The plaintiffs allege that the unauthorised use of the name and brand "M. Nasir” caused misunderstanding and confusion among the public, thereby affecting the singer’s good name and reputation.

They further claim that the advertisement did not contain any disclaimer or clarification stating that the reference to "M. Nasir” was not intended to refer to the artist, or that he had no involvement whatsoever with the defendant or the products and services being promoted.

According to the plaintiffs, the use of his name in a commercial context was clearly intended to benefit from his reputation and commercial value in order to promote the defendant’s products and services without the plaintiffs’ knowledge or consent.

The plaintiffs are seeking general damages, exemplary damages of RM3 million, aggravated damages of RM2 million, interest and costs.

The plaintiffs are also seeking an injunction to prevent the defendant, its agents, and employees from continuing to use the name and brand "M. Nasir” for commercial purposes. In addition, they are requesting an order requiring the defendant to provide an account of profits earned from the sale of beverages advertised using the phrase "M. Nasir’s Favourite.” - BERNAMA