‘NOD TO LIVE EVENTS LONG OVERDUE’
Biggest challenge was for live events to be considered part of entertainment category, says industry player
THE green light for live events under the creative arts industry is long overdue. Shiraz Projects Sdn Bhd executive producer Shirazdeen Karim, who has organised live concerts for top local and international artistes, said other sectors were already allowed to operate earlier than live events.
He said the biggest hurdle faced by industry players was for them to be considered as under the “entertainment” category.
“We are not just entertainment (companies), we are live event companies.”
He said the Arts, Live Festivals and Events Association (ALIFE) had been fighting hard to convince and get approval from the National Security Council (NSC) to allow the live event sector to get back in business.
“For the past six months, ALIFE has been working hard to get approval to do shows. Many times, our proposals were shot down,” said Shirazdeen, who is an ALIFE council member.
He said during the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) period, they were allowed to organise shows with a maximum capacity of 250 people.
“One of ALIFE members managed to do two shows with full adherence to the standard operating procedures (SOP).
“However, with the Movement Control Order (MCO) early this year, everything was again put on hold. Events or live performances must be held without a live audience. What’s the point of having a show when you cannot have a live audience?
“People go to live events because they want to be entertained. From the moment they leave the house, arriving at the venue, queuing up and enjoying the show, it’s a whole experience altogether. We cannot replace the live experience.”
He said while live events were considered non-essential, many people did not realise that they were part of an ecosystem.
“At the head of the chain, we have the organisers, then artistes, musicians, crew, venues and production teams. We also have ticketing companies, securities and cleaners in the ecosystem.
“For example, whenever we do a medium-sized show, we have about 300 people involved.
“We are giving opportunities to 300 people. Sadly, many people don’t understand,” said Shirazdeen, whose company last organised a concert on Jan 4 last year.
He said while industry players were eager to get back in business, some of them were badly affected by Covid-19.
“To start again, they will need a lot of help. However, the bureaucracy of the entire process (of getting aid) is not helping the industry. Maybe the respective authorities should look at it to ensure that those affected get help.”
On Tuesday, Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said live events under the creative industry would be allowed in Conditional Movement Control Order and RMCO areas from Wednesday.
Live events include official government programmes, television programmes, musicals, dances, theatrical performances, comedies, cultural and heritage events, as well as live streaming.