Concert-Goers & Performers In Malaysia Reminded To Avoid Immodest & Revealing Attire

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The Communications Ministry has reminded concert-goers in Malaysia to dress appropriately, behave respectfully, and observe the country's cultural and religious sensitivities when attending live shows

According to The Star, the ministry's Strategic Communications and Creative Industry deputy secretary-general Nik Kamaruzaman Nik Husin said concerts should not become scenes of disorder or obscenity.

These rules are not intended to dampen the concert-going experience, but to ensure events can be enjoyed safely and in line with local values, he said.

His remarks come as the Central Agency for Application of Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (PUSPAL) recently updated its guidelines for foreign performers.

While primarily targeting organisers and artistes, Nik Kamaruzaman said the rules also extend to the audience as part of the responsibility of concert organisers.

Nik Kamaruzaman stressed that concert-goers must dress modestly and avoid disruptive behaviour, such as shouting offensive slogans, inciting religious sentiments, or throwing objects

Those who fail to comply risk being removed from the venue.

He added that prohibited items — including weapons, alcohol, drugs, and political or religious signage — will not be allowed inside concert venues.

The Star reported that the guidelines stop short of defining what is "appropriate attire", but note that clothing deemed immodest or excessively revealing is not permitted.

For performers, the rules are stricter

The PUSPAL guidelines require concert organisers to brief foreign artistes on Malaysia's cultural, religious, and legal expectations before performing in the country.

Male international artistes are barred from wearing women's clothing, while performers of both genders are prohibited from removing clothes on stage or wearing outfits that expose the chest or are excessively above the knee.

Event organisers must ensure performers acknowledge these rules during the briefing.

Large-scale concerts with more than 5,000 attendees are also not allowed on the eve or day of Islamic public holidays unless special approval is granted by religious authorities.

Nik Kamaruzaman further reminded organisers that the government's concert "kill switch" — introduced in 2023 to stop concerts immediately in the event of guideline breaches — remains in force

He said the system has been used once so far, during South Korean singer Hyolyn's performance at the Ye!loO Concert held at the National Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on 31 May.

Videos by concert-goers on TikTok show the stage slowly going dark mid-performance before the show resumes shortly after. It is believed the disruption was linked to revealing outfits worn by the performers.