Communications Ministry Issues Stricter Concert Guidelines for Foreign Artists

Malaysia’s Communications Ministry has revised its concert regulations for foreign performers, reinforcing expectations around attire, behaviour, and audience conduct to align with national values.

The updated guidelines, prohibit performers from wearing “immodest or excessively revealing” clothing, though specifics were not detailed.

Nik kamaruzaman nik husin

While the rules primarily target organisers and performers, they also indirectly apply to audiences. Organisers are now responsible for ensuring attendees refrain from disruptive behaviour, including shouting offensive slogans, inciting religious sentiments, or throwing objects. Such actions may result in removal from the venue, according to Deputy Secretary-General Nik Kamaruzaman Nik Husin.

He clarified that the intent is not to restrict enjoyment but to ensure concerts remain safe and respectful of local norms.

Additional restrictions include a ban on weapons, alcohol, drugs, and political or religious signage at events.

Meanwhile, foreign performers face stricter regulations. Men are prohibited from wearing women’s clothing, and performers of any gender are not allowed to remove clothing on stage or wear outfits that expose the chest or rise excessively above the knee.

For illustration purposes only

Additional restrictions

Additionally, concert organisers must brief foreign artists on Malaysia’s cultural, religious, and legal expectations prior to their performances and artists are required to acknowledge this briefing.

Large-scale concerts with over 5,000 attendees are also restricted from taking place on the eve or day of Islamic public holidays unless prior approval is obtained from religious authorities.

All concerts approved by the Communications Ministry’s PUSPAL (Unit for Application for Foreign Filming and Performance by Foreign Artiste) are subject to these updated guidelines. Depending on the event’s scale, two to six PUSPAL officers will be present, supported by police and other agencies.

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Also read: “Nothing wrong with being sexy” – Sarawak Govt Says Concert Dress Code Not as Strict as Peninsular’s