'Rhythm @ KL Sentral Buskers Performances' back at KL Sentral arrival hall

KUALA LUMPUR: The ‘Rhythm @ KL Sentral Buskers Performances’ is back on at the KLIA Ekspress arrival hall, KL Sentral, after being suspended for three months due to a ban on social activities, including busking, aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) said the activity was an initiative of its minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, who proposed the idea to help street musicians or buskers affected by the pandemic.

"However, the initiative could not be implemented several times due to the enforcement of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO). Busking activities were only allowed on Nov 6, 2020 before being suspended again on Jan 10 due to the MCO,” the ministry said in a statement yesterday.

According to the statement, Nancy, who was also at the venue to monitor the progress, was satisfied when the long-planned initiative was finally implemented with compliance with the standard operating procedure (SOP).

"Today, I would like to offer moral support and motivation to buskers, who have been allowed to perform in public places like this, because they are among those affected by the pandemic," Nancy said in the statement.

Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd chief executive officer, Noormah Mohd Noor said her team had provided ample space for the performance to be held in adherence to the SOP, where only passers-by could enjoy the music and no gathering was allowed.

Malaysia Buskers Club member Aznan Aziz, who has been involved in busking activities for 30 years, thanked MOTAC and ERL Express for allowing them to resume their activities while embracing new norms with SOP compliance, including the use of face masks by musicians.

-- BERNAMA