New rules have been enacted for concerts in Malaysia.

According to Malaysian news source The Star, The Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (PUSPAL) has added new rules to its existing guidelines.

One of which states that male international artists performing in Malaysia will be prohibited from cross-dressing or dressing like women. 

On this criterion, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil shared: “Malaysia does not discriminate against any international act from coming here. But foreign artistes will have to follow the code of conduct and dress code in the guidelines when they perform on stage in Malaysia.”

Large-scale concerts and live shows from foreign artists will also be forbidden from being held on the night before and on the actual date of religious public holidays and Islamic religious occasions out of respect for these religious events unless it's allowed by respective Islamic authorities.

Some of the Islamic occasions listed by The Star include the full month of Ramadan, on Awal Muharram, Maulidur Rasul, Isra’ Mikraj, Nisfu Sya’ban, Nuzul Al-Quran, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and Hari Raya Aidiladha. 

The updated PUSPAL guidelines have also stated that both male and female foreign acts are not allowed to remove any clothing during their performances.

In relation to filming guidelines and recording of content in Malaysia, filming scripts have to be reviewed and approved by PUSPAL before they can proceed. Negative depiction of any security or enforcement agency in Malaysia is also prohibited. Some examples include the police and military forces.

In light of these additional rules, the number of blackout dates for shows held during Malaysia's independence celebrations such as National Day and Malaysia Day have been reduced.

Previously, foreign artists were prohibited from holding concerts and live shows during independence month from 25 August to 16 September. Updated guidelines now state that blackout dates will be from 30 - 31 August, as well as 15 - 16 September.

Mr Fadzil shared: “We have consulted all communities, including Muslims and non-Muslims, in drafting the updated guidelines. At the same time, the guidelines were also amended after receiving feedback from industry players. We agreed to make the guidelines more clearly spelt out so that they can be easily understood. It should be ready by December this year, to be enforced in 2024. Among our suggestions are to improve the level of concerts and live performances for the audience. We want to spell out a set of standards on what industry players can do to ensure a good experience for concertgoers and spectators."

He added: “Malaysia is planning to attract more international stars to hold their shows here, and such measures will be introduced later.”

Check out the updated guidelines for concerts and live shows in Malaysia here:

• Male international artists performing in Malaysia will be prohibited from cross-dressing
• Large-scale concerts and live shows from foreign artists will also be forbidden from being held on the night before and on the actual date of religious public holidays and Islamic religious occasions
• Male and female foreign acts are not allowed to remove any clothing during their performances
• Filming scripts have to be reviewed and approved by PUSPAL before they can proceed
• Negative depiction of any security or enforcement agency in Malaysia is prohibited 
• Concert blackout dates will be from 30 - 31 August and 15 - 16 September