Balancing Concert Security and Sustaining the Local Entertainment Industry
PETALING JAYA: The government must set clear objectives between balancing concert security and sustaining the local entertainment industry, says Malaysian Artistes Association (Seniman) president Rozaidi Abdul Jamil.
Gaps in Concert Security Screenings Must be Addressed
Rozaidi, also known as Zed Zaidi, noted that gaps in concert security screenings must be addressed without hampering the entertainment industry’s growth, as concerts play an important role in boosting the local economy. He suggested that stakeholders, authorities, and event organisers work together to discuss improvements to existing concert guidelines.
Learning from Other Countries
"Malaysia can learn from other countries by adopting effective security measures without diminishing event appeal. These include technologies such as facial recognition scans and safety wristbands with basic health data," Rozaidi was quoted as saying. "Besides that, real-time monitoring by authorities via closed-circuit television (CCTV) at event venues should be considered."
Ministerial Statement on Concert Guidelines
Following the drug-related fatalities of four individuals at the Pinkfish concert on New Year’s Eve, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil previously stated that the government does not plan to enforce urine tests for concert goers but is open to reviewing proposals and updating standard operating procedures.
Organisers’ Role in Enhancing Security
With this, Rozaidi also noted that organisers should bolster security efforts by recruiting additional trained personnel to monitor and detect suspicious activity, along with implementing stringent screenings, including the use of sniffer dogs.
Karyawan’s Concerns on Concert Guidelines
On the other hand, Malaysian Artistes’ Association (Karyawan) president Datuk Freddie Fernandez said any updates made to concert guidelines should not result in restrictions or bans on electronic dance music (EDM) concerts. Fernandez believes that drug-related incidents can be managed with the help of an adequate security presence and stricter entry controls.
Impact on the Entertainment Industry
"The public should be given the opportunity to see their idols. Banning concerts would impact a vast ecosystem, as they drive economic activity and create numerous job opportunities beyond the music industry. It would also harm Malaysia’s image, as some foreign tourists visit the country specifically for concerts," he was quoted as saying.
Karyawan’s Plan to Develop a Comprehensive Drug Awareness Campaign
Fernandez added that Karyawan will hold a meeting with the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) to develop a more comprehensive drug awareness campaign.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential for the government to strike a balance between ensuring concert security and sustaining the local entertainment industry. This can be achieved by adopting effective security measures, such as facial recognition scans and real-time monitoring, while also working with event organisers to improve security screenings and enhance overall event management.
FAQs
- What are the concerns of the Malaysian Artistes Association (Seniman) regarding concert security?
- The association is concerned that gaps in concert security screenings must be addressed without hampering the entertainment industry’s growth.
- What are the suggestions made by Seniman president Rozaidi Abdul Jamil?
- He suggested that stakeholders, authorities, and event organisers work together to discuss improvements to existing concert guidelines and adopt effective security measures, such as facial recognition scans and safety wristbands with basic health data.
- What is the stance of the government on enforcing urine tests for concert goers?
- The government does not plan to enforce urine tests for concert goers but is open to reviewing proposals and updating standard operating procedures.
- What is the plan of the Malaysian Artistes’ Association (Karyawan) regarding concert guidelines?
- Karyawan will hold a meeting with the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) to develop a more comprehensive drug awareness campaign.