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Live events can return in Malaysia this week

Live events in Malaysia are set to return this week after new guidelines were announced on Tuesday.

Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that a number of activities from the creative industries could begin to take place as of yesterday.

The order includes events such as concerts, dance and theatre shows, and musical comedy performances, among others, as well as official government programmes, television programmes and cultural events.

Despite a nationwide relaxation, events still require the approval of relevant government authorities.

The return of activities in the creative industry will be allowed in both conditional and recovery Movement Control Order (MCO) states.

Under the new orders, live events can run at 50 per cent of a venue’s capacity with ticket sales to be done online. During the events, the audience must be placed at least 1.5m away from each other, while performers such as musicians, artists and dancers will have to be spaced at least two metres apart.

The minister said: “The National Security Council (NSC) technical committee was informed of the impact wrought upon those employed within the creative industries whereby over 300,000 people have been affected.

“After conducting a risk assessment with government agencies involved including recommendations from the Health Ministry, it has been decided that live events with an audience is now allowed for areas under the conditional movement control order (CMCO) or a recovery movement control order (RMCO).”

Following the minister’s address, Iqbal Ameer, the chief executive of Malaysian events management company Livescape Group, took to Instagram to express what it means to the industry.

He said: “This means so much to everyone in the industry – and the thousands of people whose jobs and livelihood depend on it. Thank you.

“It’s not over; everyone in the industry will need to work together, united and not only adhere to the SOP guidelines but work to continuously improve it and build it to be better and most importantly FOLLOW it.”

The announcement follows the reopening of cinemas in Malaysia last week.