Hold concerts in Sarawak if not allowed in peninsula, artistes told

 

Last week, the Sarawak government said it will not adopt Putrajaya’s new guidelines for foreign artistes. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: A Sarawak mayor has called on domestic and foreign artistes to perform in the Bornean state if they struggle to obtain the necessary permits to stage a show in the peninsula.

Miri mayor Adam Yii said Sarawak was not as strict as Peninsular Malaysia when it came to staging concerts, though organisers must still ensure that local customs were respected, Borneo Post reported.

“If permits (for a concert) cannot be obtained in Peninsular Malaysia, come to Miri. As mayor of Miri city, I will fully support and assist in ensuring the smooth organising of concerts.

“Artistes should definitely consider Miri as the primary location for holding concerts in Malaysia. We warmly welcome your arrival,” he was quoted as saying.

Yii, who is also the Pujut assemblyman, said Sarawak had other factors that would appeal to artistes and concert-goers globally, including tourist attractions and its harmonious atmosphere.

He believed that concert-goers would also take the opportunity to travel to other parts of the state when they come for the concert.

Last week, state tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the Sarawak government will not adopt the federal government’s new guidelines for foreign artistes.

Karim maintained that while there were certain rules that these artistes needed to follow, the state government will be flexible in its application.

He added that two artistes who took part in last year’s Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak would not have been allowed to perform in other states because of their attire and performance.

Last week, stakeholders in the entertainment industry raised concerns about the impact of the federal government’s new guidelines for concerts.

The guidelines, which will come into effect next year, prohibit foreign artistes from holding large concerts and live performances on the eve of Islamic public holidays and on the holiday itself.

The prohibition covers the entire month of Ramadan, Awal Muharram, Maulidur Rasul, Israk Mikraj, Nisfu Sya’ban, Nuzul Quran, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Aidiladha.

The other new rules prohibit male foreign artistes from cross-dressing as women, and both male and female foreign acts from removing any clothing during their performance. - FMT