Cinemas, art performances, busking to reopen starting Thursday

 

The government has decided to reopen the entertainment and art sectors in all states beginning this Thursday, including indoor performance activities, cinemas, museums and art galleries.

However, the facility would only be opened for individuals who have completed their Covid-19 vaccination, but the number of crowds is still subject to a certain capacity that has been determined by authorities.

In a statement, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the decision was part of the government's efforts to stimulate the economic activities of the creative industry and artists.

Beginning Thursday, fully vaccinated performers would be allowed to perform at hotel lounges or do indoor busking for audiences who must also be fully vaccinated.

Cinemas are allowed to admit fully vaccinated individuals with a maximum 50 percent of the movie hall's capacity, while for live art performances like theatre, musical and comedy shows, only 30 percent of capacity is allowed with the extra condition of pre-booking.

For exhibition, museum and art galleries, operators are allowed to admit pre-booking visitors with a maximum of 30 percent capacity at any time.

“Based on the discussion by the Covid-19 Pandemic Management Special Committee on Sept 2, the government has agreed to give this relaxation (of rules) under National Recovery Plan Phase 1 for the creative industry, which is hoped to be given over a million artists, performers and employees some room to breath (economically).

“This decision would also benefit over 19,000 companies related to the creative industry,” said Ismail Sabri.

He said the creative industry contributed 2 percent, or RM29 billion, of the country’s gross domestic products in 2019 and the decision is hoped to be able to revive the industry, which has been badly affected by the pandemic.

Besides performances, the decision also covers other creative industry activities which are done in the studio, such as recording or live telecast performances.

For studio performance activities that involve audiences, it is opened to 30 percent of the venue’s maximum capacity. - Mkini