KUALA LUMPUR – The Communications Ministry has sought to clear up confusion surrounding recent concert guidelines, stressing that the dress code and behavioural expectations apply solely to performers and organisers, not the audience.
In a statement issued today, the Ministry, through the Film and Foreign Artist Performance Application Committee (Puspal), explained that while the guidelines govern the attire and conduct of performers, they do not impose any formal requirements on concertgoers.
This clarification follows an article in The Star, which quoted the Ministry’s Deputy Secretary-General (Strategic Communications and the Creative Industry), Nik Kamaruzaman Nik Husin.
The report mentioned that concertgoers in Malaysia are encouraged to dress appropriately, avoid disruptive behaviour, and respect the country’s cultural and religious values.
The article also mentioned that while the guidelines advise on suitable attire, they do not specify what is considered "appropriate," though it is understood that immodest or overly revealing clothing is discouraged.
Following some online backlash, where netizens expressed concerns about the perceived policing of attendees' dress codes, the Ministry addressed these concerns directly.
“JK-PUSPAL would like to clarify that the PUSPAL Guidelines (GPP 6.0) only set dress codes and conduct ethics for performers, and do not impose any dress code or conduct rules on concertgoers or attendees,” the Ministry said.
The statement continued, saying that the guidelines serve as “suggestions and advice to the audience and visitors, in cooperation with concert organisers,” and are primarily aimed at ensuring the safety and cultural harmony of such events.
The ministry also noted Nik Kamaruzaman's statement in the Star: “While the guidelines primarily focus on organisers and performers, they do indirectly extend to audience conduct through the organisers’ obligations.”
According to the daily on Sunday, in addition to the guidelines on attire, the Ministry urged concert organisers to take steps to ensure the safety of attendees, particularly regarding alcohol and drugs.
Measures must be in place before, during, and after the event to maintain public safety and prevent incidents.
“The rules are not intended to ruin the concert experience,” Nik Kamaruzaman was quoted as saying.
“Their purpose is to ensure that these events can be enjoyed safely while respecting local values. We want to avoid scenes of disorder or obscenity, and items like weapons, alcohol, drugs, or political and religious signs will not be allowed.”
While the guidelines mainly target organisers and performers, the Ministry’s clarification also made it clear that respectful behaviour is encouraged from concertgoers. However, these are voluntary suggestions and not legally enforceable rules.
Nik Kamaruzaman noted that the guidelines focus on performers’ attire, such as prohibiting male international performers from wearing women’s clothing and restricting performers from removing clothing on stage or wearing revealing outfits.
The guidelines also stipulate that large concerts, with more than 5,000 attendees, cannot be held on Islamic public holidays or their eve without prior approval from the relevant religious authorities.
Additionally, organisers must ensure that foreign performers are briefed on Malaysia’s cultural, religious, and legal expectations before performing in the country.
A significant feature of the guidelines is the “kill switch” system, introduced in 2023, which allows organisers to halt a performance immediately if the performer breaches cultural or legal standards.
The system was triggered once during a South Korean singer’s concert in May 2025 after the performer wore revealing clothing. The kill switch had been tested during Coldplay’s 2023 concert.
“The kill switch is only used in serious situations, taking into account the nature of the incident, potential risks to attendees, legal implications, and immediate threats to safety,” Nik Kamaruzaman explained.
For concerts approved by Puspal, between two and six Puspal officers will be stationed at the event, supported by agencies such as the police and the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM). Organisers and attendees seeking more information on the guidelines are encouraged to visit the Puspal website or contact the Puspal Unit directly. - September 22, 2025
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