Cover image via Harian Metro
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The Kelantan state government has seized an RM8,000 security deposit from the organiser of Makar Fest XL for violating licence conditions and state entertainment guidelines in Kota Bharu last Saturday, 31 January
According to Bernama, the organiser could also face a RM30,000 fine and risk being blacklisted if they fail to pay a compound.
State local government, housing, health, and environment committee chairman Hilmi Abdullah said the three-day event at the Mydin Mall Tunjung parking lot was marketed as a food festival.
It was originally intended to serve as a business platform for small entrepreneurs, local traders, and art practitioners, as well as a gathering point for art enthusiasts.
Although it had obtained entertainment approval from the Kota Bharu Municipal Council-Islamic City, the organiser failed to prevent men and women from intermingling during a musical performance.
Hilmi said after reviewing a report from the director of the licensing and business control division, along with viral video footage of the concert at the venue, the local government concluded that the organiser had committed an offence under Section 13(1) of the Entertainment and Places of Entertainment Control (Kelantan) Enactment 2025.
He emphasised that while the state government supports festivals that generate economic benefits for the people, organisers must ensure that etiquette, cultural values, and morality are upheld among attendees.
Below is a clip of the crowd at the event:
After the incident, Makar Fest XL director Issey Fazlisham apologised for the offence, explaining that he had attempted to stop attendees from dancing
In a statement on Facebook yesterday, 3 February, Issey said his event team had tried to follow the guidelines issued by the Kota Bharu Municipal Council, including showing a video on prohibited behaviour before the performances.
The video stated that dancing and the mixing of men and women were strictly prohibited.
"That night, as the emcee, every time I went on stage, I reminded the audience not to dance and to maintain their manners throughout the event.
"However, there were a handful of individuals who were beyond the organisers' control and were found performing movements that did not comply with the guidelines we set.
"The security crew and the Makar Fest team acted immediately as soon as the situation was detected," Issey said.
He also admitted that the crowd was larger than expected, making it more difficult for his team to manage certain areas.
Issey's statement can be found below:
