Nightclubs seek to reopen doors

PETALING JAYA: Industry players are urging the government to come out with guidelines for nightclubs instead of imposing a blanket ban as it affects workers’ livelihoods.

Although most socio-economic sectors have reopened ahead of the transition to the endemic phase on April 1, entertainment industries such as nightclubs have remained on the “negative list” since March 2020.

Industries Unite MCO 2.0 coordinator Datuk Irwin Cheong suggested that entertainment outlets be allowed to operate according to the relevant legislation and licence, with physical distancing required and dance floors closed.

“We urge the government to relook this matter as it involves the livelihood of those working in this business category,” he added.

Industries Unite MCO 2.0 is a loose group of small and medium enterprises from various industries.

On Tuesday, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said that nightclubs were still considered high-risk for Covid-19 transmission and would be the only type of business premises remaining in the country’s “negative list” from April 1.

Restaurant and Bistro Owners Association vice-president Jeremy Lim, whose association also oversees nightclubs, said the government should “regulate industries instead of activities”.

“For example, if they think dancing is a high-risk activity, they should make moves to regulate it, not ban and prohibit nightclubs or dance clubs from operating.

“I would propose that the government allow nightclubs and dance clubs to pivot, allow them to find an alternative use for their premises.

“Don’t just do a blanket ban,” said Lim, who himself owns a nightclub in Kuala Lumpur.

TREC Holdings Sdn Bhd general manager Kelvin Lam said the government should be fair to all sectors and allow the entertainment industry to resume.

“In my view, it is badly affecting the tourism industry as foreign tourists might not want to travel to Malaysia while the entertainment sector is still not allowed to operate,” he said.

Lam suggested nightclub premises be permitted to operate under a strict standard operating procedure such as requiring visitors to do self-tests before entering and limiting capacity so physical distancing can be maintained.

Affected nightclub DJ, Kenneth Wong, concurred, saying that the government should consider preparing guidelines for club activities instead of totally banning them.

The 34-year-old, whose stage name is K3nji, from Kuala Lumpur, said he had tried finding alternative income sources without much success.

Wong also proposed a limit to the capacity of people in the nightclub if the activity was deemed “high-risk”.

“Nightlife is one of the tourist attractions. I hope the authorities will give us a chance,” he said.

Melissa Jo, another DJ who previously performed at several nightclubs in Kuala Lumpur, said she was disappointed that club activities would remain banned despite the country transitioning to an endemic phase.

“If people are allowed to go to a crowded night market, I don’t see why nightclubs can’t be allowed to open,” she added.