MCO: New Year optimism fizzles out in arts and culture scene, many predict bleak times

Composer Imee Ooi and JSJG (Peace Sky Concert) seen at their live stream concert recording at KLPac last month. Apart from no live performances, even recordings of online shows might not be allowed when the MCO is reintroduced. Photo: Handout

Eleven days into 2021 and all fresh optimism of a new beginning in the Malaysian arts and culture scene has fizzled out with the Government's reimplementation of the movement control order (MCO) in six states, which starts on Jan 13.

The Prime Minister said the MCO will be enforced for 14 days (until Jan 26) in Penang, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Labuan in the Federal Territories, Melaka, Johor and Sabah.