File photo of lion dance troupes
MELAKA: Some 1,200 lion and dragon dance troupes in the country are bracing for tough times due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dragon and Lion Dances Federation of Malaysia secretary-general Yong Kheng Chien said troupes are facing hardships in maintaining their respective associations especially after the movement control order since 2020.
"It has been a very difficult period for us to generate income as the troupes have no chance to perform during these challenging times. Many of us find it hard to pay remunerations for our professional performers as well as recruiting students to train in the ancient art," he said in an interview here on Sunday (Jan 24).
Yong added that although some leaders of troupes are pinning hopes for MCO to end before Chinese New Year, others also raised their concerns over health safety of the players amid the pandemic.
He also said that a series of briefings were held with the Youth and Sports Ministry to explain the strict standard operating procedure compliance when conducting training and performances if allowed during the Lunar New Year period.
"As dragon and lion dance are categorised under contact sports, SOP under this category will be followed strictly," he said.
