So, for those of you who don’t know, a record store in Penang was raided by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) while the venue was having a punk rock gig on Saturday (January 28).
Not only was the owner of the record store taken into custody, but 3 audience members were also arrested for recording the officers during the raid.
Following that, netizen Dave Oh Yeah who is from Taiwan and who was present at the venue during the raid, took to his Facebook page to share how shocked he was at the police officers’ behaviour towards those who were there.
He wrote, “Well holy moly, cops are still raiding punk rock shows in Malaysia? Last night was my final night in Penang, I went to Ruas Store, a record store, coffee shop and punk rock clubhouse that has a new venue on 2F. I had coffee and watched the last couple of bands, just fun, rowdy stuff, lots of screaming and slam dancing and everyone (but me) in black t-shirts.”
“At 11:15pm, police sealed the front and back exits, and those who didn’t bum rush the doors, about 50 of us were detained inside.”
The officers then checked IDs and searched bags, the usual. They also apparently took multiple group photos, which was odd if the audience members didn’t do anything wrong, right?
They then arrested the store’s owner for allegedly not having an entertainment license but Dave believes the police should have conducted themselves more professionally during the raid.
“This morning (January 29 – Sunday), I found out the shop’s owner was still in jail, he and 2 other organisers took complete responsibility and were arrested. It’s possible it was a licensing issue but the attitude of the cops – angry, shouting, dressing everyone down – felt more personal, patronizing, as if there were some serious moral issues at stake (dare I say ‘Asian values’?).”
“It reminded me a little of the Taipei nightclub busts starting 2001, in reaction to the explosion of You Tou Wan, ie ecstasy or MDMA,” he added.
Others present during the raid assured Dave that, unfortunately, this is how the music scene is treated in Malaysia
“The kids were totally cool and explained to me, ‘So now you know what is punk rock in Malaysia’. We were held for at least 30 minutes and were finally released. Outside, around the corner was a bus-sized paddy wagon. Had the venue owner not take responsibility, it’s imaginable that we could have all been hauled off to jail. So effing bizarre.”
“All for a 100-person punk rock show that would’ve been normal almost anywhere in the world. So, no wonder there’s no cultural spirit here and no wonder so many Malaysian Chinese love Taiwan. Culturally speaking, Taiwan feels 3-4 decades ahead,” Dave shared.
Considering Malaysia has such a diverse range of musical culture that attracts tourists from all over the world, shouldn’t the industry be celebrated instead of being severely policed?
What do you think about this? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
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