Groove by the rules: Nik Kamaruzaman says the guidelines are not meant to dampen the concert-going experience but to ensure that such events can be enjoyed safely and in line with local values.
PETALING JAYA: Concertgoers in Malaysia are advised to dress appropriately, avoid disruptive behaviour, and respect the nation’s cultural and religious sensitivities.
These rules are not meant to dampen the concert-going experience but to ensure that such events can be enjoyed safely and in line with local values, said Communications Ministry deputy secretary-general (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Nik Kamaruzaman Nik Husin.
He said concerts must not become scenes of disorder or obscenity, and prohibited items, such as weapons, alcohol, drugs, and political or religious signs, will not be allowed in the venues.
The ministry’s Unit for Application for Foreign Filming and Performance by Foreign Artiste (Puspal) has recently updated its guidelines for the performances of foreign artistes.
Although the guidelines focus on organisers and performers, they also extend to audiences as part of the duties of the organisers.
Nik Kamaruzaman said concertgoers are expected to dress appropriately and behave respectfully, adding that disruptive acts, such as shouting offensive slogans, instigating religious sentiments or throwing objects, could lead to removal from the venue.
However, the guide did not outline what is defined as appropriate attire.
It merely stated that clothes that are immodest or excessively revealing are not allowed.
It was learnt that authorities had never checked the dress code for audiences.
Puspal’s guidelines also require concert organisers to brief foreign artistes on Malaysia’s cultural, religious and legal expectations before they perform in the country.
The guidelines clearly spell out prohibited acts.
Male international performers are not allowed to perform in women’s clothes, while performers of both genders are prohibited from removing their clothing on stage or wearing outfits that expose the chest area or are excessively above the knee.
In addition, large-scale concerts – with attendees of more than 5,000 – cannot be held on the eve or on the day of Islamic public holidays unless prior approval is obtained from the relevant religious authorities.
Event organisers must also ensure that these performers acknowledge the briefing about such rules.
“While the guidelines primarily focus on organisers and performers, they do indirectly extend to audience conduct through the organisers’ obligations,” said Nik Kamaruzaman.
As for the “kill switch” mechanism that was announced in 2023 to curb unwanted incidents during a show, he said it had been used only once since its enforcement.
The system, which enables concerts to be halted immediately if the performer breaches cultural or legal guidelines, was triggered during South Korean singer Hyolyn’s Ye!LoO concert on May 31.
A brief video circulating on TikTok showed the stage plunging into darkness while the singer and her dancers were performing.
However, concertgoers said the lights came back on shortly after and the show resumed.
It is believed that the concert was interrupted because the performers wore revealing clothes.
The plan for the “kill switch” came about following the controversial act by singer Matty Healy, who was performing with his band The 1975 here in July 2023, when he ranted about the country’s LGBTQ laws before kissing his bandmate on stage.
The mechanism was first tested during Coldplay’s 2023 concert before being formally implemented this year.
Nik Kamaruzaman said all concerts approved by Puspal are subjected to its guidelines.
He said that there would be two to six Puspal officers stationed at each event, supported by other agencies including the police, the Inland Revenue Board, the Malaysian Islamic Development Department and the Immigration Department.
“The number of officers depends on the scale and nature of the event. Under the Incident Management Plan, local authority officers and event organisers have the mandate to activate the kill switch on the advice of Puspal officers,” he told The Star.
The decision must be made by the head of the enforcement team from the local authority.
Reports of any activation will later be tabled at the Puspal committee meeting for further action against organisers.
Nik Kamaruzaman said the kill switch is only used in serious situations, taking into account the nature of the incident, potential risks to attendees, legal implications and immediate threats to safety.
