Updated concert guidelines in Malaysia
Malaysia has been graced with a slew of live concerts and shows by international acts over the past year. And what we look forward to – besides seeing our favourite artistes in person, of course – is getting dolled up for the concert and bringing 100% energy to support our faves.
On 21st September 2025, new directives regarding dress code and behaviour rules during concert events in Malaysia were outlined by the Malaysian ministry, who also clarified that these rules apply exclusively to the performers.
Enforced guidelines for performers, not concertgoers
Malaysia’s updated guidelines for concerts by foreign artistes have imposed several restrictions on the acceptable dress policy for foreign acts who will be performing onstage.
According to the Communications Ministry of Malaysia, while concerts make for enjoyable experiences, these events should not go against the nation’s cultural values and religious sensitivities.
Image for illustration purposes only.
Image credit: Jia-Ju
As previously reported by The Star, Nik Kamaruzaman Nik Husin, the deputy secretary-general of the ministry’s Strategic Communications and Creative Industry, stressed that concert-goers are to keep to the dress code, which forbids “immodest or excessively revealing” attire and requires attendees to behave respectfully in the concert venue.
Any instances of disruptive acts, which encapsulate shouting offensive slogans, instigating religious sentiments, or throwing objects, could lead to their removal from the venue.
Image for illustration purposes only.
Image credit: Jia-Ju
Enforced by the ministry’s Unit for Application for Foreign Filming and Performance by Foreign Artiste (Puspal), the guidelines also specify several unacceptable conduct that performing artists must not exhibit. They include male international performers performing in women’s fits, performers of both genders removing their clothing on stage, and wearing outfits that expose the chest area or are excessively above the knee.
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Image credit: Teddy Yang via Pexels
In addition to the attire restrictions, large-scale concerts – with attendees of more than 5,000 – are prohibited from being held on the eve or on the day of any Islamic public holidays, unless prior approval is obtained from the relevant religious authorities.
Concert organisers must ensure that the foreign artistes are briefed on Malaysia’s cultural, religious, and legal expectations before they perform in the country, and must ensure that the artistes acknowledge these rules.
As of 23rd September, Puspal has clarified that these guidelines were meant for the organisers and onstage acts. While not directly targeted at the audience, the rules indirectly extend to the conduct of the audience as it is part of the organisers’ obligations.
The ‘kill switch’ mechanism
Mr. Nik Kamaruzaman also mentioned that in instances of unwanted incidents, local authority officers and event organisers have the mandate to activate a “kill switch” on the advice of the stationed Puspal officers.
Implemented in 2023 following the controversial onstage act involving the English pop-rock band The 1975, the mechanism aims to halt a concert by cutting the power if the performing act breaches guidelines while onstage.
The kill switch has had to be triggered once since its implementation, which was during South Korean singer Hyolyn’s Ye!LoO concert on 31st May, due to the allegedly revealing outfits her dancers donned.
New concert guidelines for performers in Malaysia
We fans would very much love to continue enjoying the perks of seeing our favourite artists performing live in our country, so it would be wise to adhere to the updated concert guidelines to ensure smooth sailing and enjoyable concert experiences.
Cover image (for illustration purposes only) adapted from: Jia-Ju