MUSIC MALAYSIA welcomes the announcement by the Ministry of Communications and Digital on the launch of the Concert and Event in Malaysia Incentives (CEMI) and the introduction of the updated PUSPAL Guidelines Version 6.0 (GPP 6.0), which are expected to ease the application process significantly.
These initiatives are seen as strategic steps towards strengthening the overall ecosystem of the nation’s entertainment industry.
According to the Chairman of Music Malaysia, Datuk Freddie Fernandez, the annual allocation of RM10 million under the CEMI programme will serve as a significant boost to the organisation of large-scale concerts and events.
This move will not only elevate Malaysia’s image as a regional entertainment hub, but also stimulate the tourism sector through the increase in domestic and international visitor arrivals.
It is worth noting that Music Malaysia comprises 15 major associations within the music industry, including concert organisers, recording companies, artist associations, and creative arts groups — including representation from Sabah and Sarawak.
This initiative is expected to bring direct benefits to various stakeholders in the industry. Among them are local artists and musicians who will enjoy greater performance opportunities and international exposure.
Additionally, technical personnel such as sound engineers, lighting crews, and production teams are expected to benefit from increased employment opportunities.
Service providers such as sound system suppliers, event venues, and accommodation providers are also anticipated to see heightened demand due to the expected surge in event organisation.
Furthermore, the introduction of GPP 6.0, which will take effect from 1 May 2025, is expected to expedite the event application process.
This update will be particularly beneficial to small-scale performances and promotional events, with the processing time reduced from 14 days to just 7 days.
This measure will streamline organisers’ operations and ensure smoother event implementation.
“We also support the emphasis on incident management outlined in GPP 6.0, including the implementation of a ‘kill switch’ that enables immediate termination of performances when necessary.
"This is an important measure to ensure the safety and smooth operation of events. It is a timely move, given past incidents that were unfortunate and could have been avoided,” he added.
With the implementation of these initiatives, Music Malaysia is confident that the country’s entertainment industry will continue to grow rapidly, bringing positive impact to the national economy and further elevating Malaysia’s image on the world stage.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Minister of Communications and Digital, Datuk Ahmad Fahmi, for the implementation of these initiatives. We truly appreciate the government’s commitment and hope to see more efforts like this in the future to further energise and develop Malaysia’s creative and entertainment industries,” concluded Freddie.
