ALOR SETAR, Oct 4 (Bernama) — All concerts in Kedah have been temporarily suspended until a new standard operating procedure (SOP) is set, says Kedah Tourism, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Mohd Firdaus Ahmad.
He said the temporary suspension was to enable the state government to discuss the coordination of the SOP for organising concerts in Kedah.
Statement from Menteri Besar Kedah
“Yesterday, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor in a statement said that any entertainment concert that invites unethical behaviour will not be allowed throughout Kedah.
“However, the Menteri Besar made a general announcement so we are not sure what type of concert is not allowed.
“Tomorrow, I will bring this matter to be discussed in the State Executive Council Meeting and maybe it can be detailed by the Menteri Besar,” he said during a press conference at Wisma Darul Aman regarding a recent incident involving youths at the ‘Muda Mudi Weekend Fest’ in front of the Kedah State Art Gallery.
Viral recording
Yesterday, a video recording of a musical group’s performance on stage went viral on social media. Young people were performing various acts including dancing. This invited a sense of uneasiness among the public, considering that it was not far from the Zahir Mosque.
Mohd Firdaus said following discussions and meetings with the organisers, they found that there was no violation involving the parties concerned. And that the incident that occurred was beyond the control of all parties.
“The organisers were aware of the instructions and SOPs that needed to be followed and had obtained permission from the police and an entertainment licence for organising the programme. The organisers also took early action by stopping the concert when the incident occurred.
“I myself saw the tentative programme, where at 1 pm, 4 pm, 7 pm and 8 pm, all entertainment activities were temporarily halted to give way to obligatory prayers,
but this became a big issue because the programme’s site was located near the Zahir Mosque and the Islamic Religious Office,” he said.
He said the programme held on Sept 30 and Oct 1 was for young people interested in art. It also provides an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to generate income. The young entrepreneurs sell products such as food and drink, clothes and jewellery.
Source: BERNAMA