Gender segregation at live shows a logistical nightmare for event organisers

The Malaysian Islamic Development Department’s (Jakim) new guidelines, which, among others include the segregation of male and female audiences and performers at 'live shows' held in the country, will be a huge logistical nightmare for event organisers.

This is the opinion of Livescape Asia’s Group chief executive officer Iqbal Ameer, who explained that the move would also ruin concert goers’ entire experience of witnessing the show the way it was meant to be.

“No event organiser would entertain such a move. I would rather not do shows than practise such guidelines.

“It is unfair to the artist, everyone involved in the show and most importantly the fans,” he told Astro AWANI today.

Iqbal added that all event organisers may just stop doing shows as it is not worth it, if the guideline has to be practised.

“The entertainment industry in Malaysia has been very tolerant on any rulings or implementation that has been set forwards by the authorities.

“Numerous times, we have suggested different methods for events, but it went unheeded.

“If this guideline is practiced, Malaysia will lose out on a multi-million ringgit industry. Everyone will go to other countries like Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore for entertainment.

“We are only encouraging our economy to spiral out of country and we are stunting the arts,” he said.

Iqbal added that there is a need for the public to also voice out their concerns on their preference during a concert.

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The second edition of the guideline was released by Jakim last week after being approved by the 107th National Fatwa Committee Conference in February.

Part of the rules includes the segregation of male and female audiences and performers at 'live shows' held in the country.

Jakim also stressed that music and lyrics should not boast any elements of “worships” which are considered sacred to believers of other religions.

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