Malaysian org threatens legal action over protests
Malaysia’s live music trade body ALIFE (Arts, Live Festival and Events Association) has threatened to take legal action against those who call for the cancellation of concerts in the country.
The government strengthened guidelines but rejected a blanket ban on gigs following The 1975’s infamous headline set at Sepang’s Good Vibes Festival last July, which led to the cancellation of the event.
However, ALIFE’s president Rizal Kamal says there remains opposition regarding performances by certain international acts.
“With recent successes like Taylor Swift’s groundbreaking tour in neighbouring Singapore showcasing the economic potential of live events, ALIFE is committed to overcoming barriers hindering Malaysia’s global entertainment competitiveness,” he says.
“Despite recent triumphs, ALIFE faces opposition from political and religious groups calling for the cancellation of concerts”
“Despite recent triumphs, ALIFE faces opposition from political and religious groups calling for the cancellation of concerts featuring artists associated with ‘sinful’ activities or supporting certain communities. Calls for such cancellation of acclaimed acts like BlackPink, Billie Eilish, Coldplay, and Ed Sheeran highlight this issue.”
Moreover, Kamal says that ALIFE is prepared to pursue legal action to protect the business against “baseless claims and discriminatory acts”.
“This stance champions cultural diversity and individuals’ right to access entertainment freely in Malaysia’s dynamic live performance landscape, plus the right to protect Malaysia’s reputation in the international landscape,” he says.
“As Malaysia aspires to become a global live events hub, ALIFE’s unwavering resolve against external pressures underscores the significance of this issue both domestically and internationally.”
“We have the opportunity to bring much needed external income into the country through music tourism”
Promoters in Malaysia were ordered to install a “kill switch” to end performances by international artists that breach government regulations to avoid a repeat of the Good Vibes fiasco, which saw The 1975 singer Matty Healy criticise Malaysia’s strict anti-LGBT laws and kiss a male bandmate on stage – leading to the cancellation of the festival’s remaining two days.
However, that was the only incident reported out of 296 acts granted a permit by the Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (Puspal) in 2023. And Kamal points out the economic benefits of bringing global stars to the region.
“Live events are pivotal in boosting Malaysia’s international reputation and driving economic growth. However, bureaucratic inefficiencies and political pressures threaten to hinder our industry’s potential,” he says.
“We have the opportunity to bring much needed external income into the country through music tourism. Our infrastructure, cost structure and value of ringgit makes Malaysia an attractive destination for concerts and shows. We cannot allow certain groups to derail Malaysia’s effort to be more competitive in the region, especially if it’s just to boost their own individual or political standing.”
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Malaysia decides against blanket ban on concerts
The Malaysian government is strengthening guidelines for promoters but has decided against issuing a blanket ban on concerts following The 1975 controversy earlier this year.
Overseas acts must apply for a permit through the Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (Puspal) before they are granted permission to perform in the Southeast Asian country.
The New Straits Times reports that Puspal approved 296 international acts this year with just one incident reported – July’s Good Vibes Festival fiasco in Sepang.
The 1975’s headline set was infamously cut short at the event after singer Matty Healy criticised Malaysia’s strict anti-LGBT laws and kissed a male bandmate on stage, leading to the cancellation of the festival’s remaining two days. Promoters in Malaysia were subsequently ordered to install a “kill switch” to end performances by international artists that breach government regulations.
“The 1975 flouted several guidelines and we are in the midst of strengthening the guidelines to avoid reoccurrence”
“The 1975 flouted several guidelines and we are in the midst of strengthening the guidelines to avoid reoccurrence,” said deputy communications and digital minister Teo Nie Ching. “Just because of one incident, how can we cancel the others? Out of 296 artists only one happened. How is this fair?”
However, speaking at the debate, opposition leader Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man called on the government to take preemptive measures by blocking artists who uphold values against the country’s policies.
“The government must make sure [concerts] have high moral values,” he added. “Do not simply leave it to the people to make choices, the government must have policies and regulations.”
Coldplay performed their first ever concert in Malaysia last month, attracting more than 75,000 fans to the National Stadium Bukit Jalil.
“It is disheartening to witness concerts being politicised… concerts have the power to unite diverse communities”
Meanwhile, Malaysian live music trade body ALIFE has urged MPs to stop “politicising” concerts.
“I would like to stress the transformative impact of live music events on our society,” says the organisation’s president Rizal Kamal. “However, it is equally crucial that organisers ensure proper permits.
“Beyond this, it is disheartening to witness concerts being politicised. The government and opposition must refrain from using these events as political tactics and redirect focus to pressing national issues.
“Concerts have the power to unite diverse communities, let us prioritise issues that enhance the well-being of all Malaysians, fostering a harmonious and prosperous nation.”
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Malaysian trade body hits out over 25% tax rate
The coalition representing Malaysia’s live industry is calling for an urgent review of a 25% entertainment tax, which it claims could have “catastrophic economic consequences” for the business.
The Kuala Lumpur City Hall recently imposed the rate on all live events held in the city centre, causing “significant disruptions to both ongoing and forthcoming events” throughout the country.
Rizal Kamal, president of the Arts, Live Festival and Events Association (ALIFE), warns the move would lead to an escalation in ticket prices and place Malaysia at a disadvantage against its peers.
“A modern and consistent approach to taxation is essential to enable the industry to compete with its regional counterparts,” says Kamal, as per the New Straits Times.
“Singapore and Thailand impose zero entertainment tax but collect Goods and Services Tax and Value-Added Tax on tickets. Any rate higher than these countries’ tax structures would diminish KL’s competitiveness, resulting in the loss of international concerts.”
“We urge the government to conduct a comprehensive reassessment of the entertainment tax structure in KL”
Live events were previously exempt from the entertainment tax, which was introduced in 2001 and updated five years later. Kamal says the rate is “no longer aligned with the current socio-economic landscape” and represents an additional burden for promoters still recovering from the pandemic.
“We urge the government to conduct a comprehensive reassessment of the entertainment tax structure in KL,” he says. “Failure to do so could lead to event cancellations, substantial income loss for artistes, producers, venues, and workers, and damage our reputation as a business-friendly country.”
Kamal, who says ALIFE has been engaging with the authorities in a bid to address the issue, previously noted that the 25% tax ranks among the highest in the region.
“When combined with additional financial obligations such as a 15% withholding tax, a RM500 [€101] levy, and an additional bond mandated by the immigration department on artists, crew members and musicians, the cumulative fiscal burden becomes exceptionally demanding,” he said. “This is further exacerbated by elevated rental expenses for prominent venues.”
Earlier this year, ALIFE spoke out in support of Good Vibes Festival promoter Future Sound Asia amid the global outcry over The 1975’s aborted headline set.
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