Striking a Balance: Security and Sustainability in Malaysia’s Concert Industry
PETALING JAYA: The government must set clear objectives to strike a balance between security and the sustainability of the entertainment industry when refining concert guidelines, says Malaysian Artistes Association (Seniman) president Rozaidi Jamil.
Understanding the Stakes
Rozaidi, better known as Zed Zaidi, said gaps in security screening must be addressed without stifling industry growth, as it plays a vital role in stimulating the domestic economy.
A Call for Collaboration
He emphasized the need for stakeholders, including authorities and event organisers, to come together and discuss improvements to existing concert guidelines. "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. Besides that, real-time monitoring by authorities via closed-circuit television (CCTV) at event venues should be considered," he told FMT.
A Holistic Approach
Rozaidi’s remarks follow the drug-related deaths of four concertgoers at the Pinkfish event in Bandar Sunway on New Year’s Eve. He suggested that organisers should enhance security by deploying more trained personnel to monitor and detect suspicious activity, alongside stricter screenings, including the use of sniffer dogs.
A Different Perspective
Malaysian Artistes’ Association (Karyawan) president Freddie Fernandez, on the other hand, believes that any updates to the guidelines should not result in restrictions or bans, particularly on electronic dance music (EDM) concerts. "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 said, stressing the importance of a win-win approach.
Moving Forward
Fernandez’s association will meet with the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) soon to develop a more comprehensive awareness campaign. Rozaidi emphasized the need for a balanced approach, stating that the government must set clear objectives to ensure the sustainability of the entertainment industry while implementing effective security measures.
Conclusion
The debate surrounding concert guidelines and security is complex, with differing opinions on how to strike a balance between the two. However, one thing is clear – the need for collaboration and a holistic approach to addressing the issues at hand. By working together, authorities, event organisers, and industry experts can create a safer and more sustainable entertainment industry.
FAQs
- What is the main concern surrounding concert guidelines and security?
The main concern is striking a balance between security and the sustainability of the entertainment industry. - What is the proposed solution to address these concerns?
A combination of effective security measures, such as facial recognition scans and safety wristbands, alongside real-time monitoring and stricter screenings, should be implemented. - What is the role of authorities in addressing these concerns?
Authorities should work closely with event organisers and industry experts to develop and implement effective security measures, while also ensuring that these measures do not stifle industry growth. - What is the impact of restricting or banning concerts on the entertainment industry?
Restricting or banning concerts would have a significant impact on the entertainment industry, including job losses and a decline in economic activity.