KUALA LUMPUR – Organisers of the upcoming concert featuring British band Coldplay have reminded fans to remain respectful of local culture and sensitivities throughout the event in Bukit Jalil on November 22.
On Instagram, the promoters Live Nation Malaysia had listed a string of rules for the concert attendees, which included a prohibition of banners carrying political messages or those related to the LGBT movement.
It also noted a ban on LED content on banners, adding that such posters should not be above A4 in size.
The organiser said this is to avoid disrupting the view and experiences of others attending the show.
“In creating a memorable atmosphere for all concertgoers, please be mindful of the local culture and sensitivities in Malaysia and avoid displaying props or items that may cause discomfort to others.
“Let’s keep the focus on the music and the shared enjoyment of the event. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,” it said in a post.
Other prohibited items include outside food and beverages, tripods and selfie sticks, beer or alcohol, as well as cigarettes and their electronic equivalent.
The organiser also told fans that pulling all-nighters outside or inside the venue ahead of the concert was prohibited, apart from mob behaviour.
“Waiting inside or outside the venue or in public spaces nearby, chasing, or sitting on the streets nearby is not only dangerous to the artists and the public but may also cause accidents or trouble involving the general public,” it said.
“Parties involved must resolve any accidents or incidents caused by these actions.”
Live Nation Malaysia also warned that the artist, organiser, and venue will not be held responsible for any accident or incidents resulting from these acts, adding that individuals may be barred from entering the venue and be handed over to police if they engaged in malicious behaviour.
Other prohibited items on the list include large bags, helmets, umbrellas, laser pens, laptops and tablets, as well as ladders and folding chairs.
Furthermore, dangerous goods such as fireworks and other flammable items, weapons and drugs were also prohibited from the event.
Despite the rules, and in line with Coldplay’s mission for sustainability, the organiser encouraged concertgoers to bring refillable water bottles that are less than one litre in size, but this only applied to seated fans who will be given access to water stations.
In response, some concertgoers have raised concerns regarding the list of prohibited items, especially the banning of outside food and beverages.
“So how are standing tix (ticket) holders going to drink water?” Instagram user raihahmr asked.
Another user yunieminami asked: “(Those) Standing don’t need to drink?”
Instagram user wiwmeffs echoed the concerns of those who will be in the standing zone, especially when they were not allowed to bring in empty water bottles.
Last month, the Communications and Digital Ministry said it will be instructing show and concert organisers to have a “kill switch”, following the incident involving British rock group The 1975 that led to the cancellation of the Good Vibes Festival in July.
The axing of the event came after The 1975’s lead vocalist Matty Healy criticised Malaysia’s LGBT laws before proceeding to kiss his male bandmate while on stage during the first day of the festival.
Deputy minister Teo Nie Ching said the kill switch would allow organisers to cut electricity and stop performances mid-show if the need arises to ensure that artists, especially international performers, complied with guidelines set by the Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (Puspal).
She added that the additional guideline is to ensure the performers would respect the country’s religious and cultural sensitivities.
On August 4, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil told Scoop that the government is to review the Puspal guidelines and engage with organisers to indicate to the industry and the broader general public that Malaysia is still open for concerts.
However, he said the country had clear laws and guidelines to allow such events, adding that Malaysia was still open for international performances. – November 16, 2023