Malaysia stands firm on dress code for performers
Christie Leo

KUALA LUMPUR—After Beyonce scrapped her debut show in Malaysia, the managers of music artists are being warned to study dress code restrictions before booking dates in the Muslim-majority country.
A September 28 statement from Kuala Lumpur-based promoter Pineapple Concerts gave no reason for the cancellation of the November 1 Beyonce concert at the city’s 9,000-capacity Putra Stadium, although Pineapple later blamed a “scheduling conflict.” But Malaysian industry sources maintain the cancellation was caused by Beyonce’s apparent refusal to abide by the country’s strict dress code for performers.
Many Muslim groups, including the 10,000-member National Union of Malaysian Muslim Students (NUMMS), had urged the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage — which in 2005 introduced a compulsory dress code and other rules for performers — to stop the concert from taking place.
“Our guidelines for performances by foreign artists are explicitly stated,” said Siti Zaleha Baba, chief assistant secretary of the ministry’s central committee for filming and performance by foreign artists. “Promoters are advised to alert artist managers about the guidelines before applying for a license to stage the concert. Any artist can perform in Malaysia provided they follow the guidelines.”
Female performers must show no skin from the tops of their chests to their knees, and clothes cannot feature obscene or drug-related images or messages. There is also a ban on profanity, hugging or kissing audience members or fellow artists, jumping and shouting, and throwing objects onstage or at the audience.
TAKING A PLEDGE
Promoters and sponsors must pledge in writing that they accept and will inform the performers of the rules, as well as ensuring that they follow them.
Malaysia has become an increasingly important Asian touring stop for artists, with an average 12 to 15 annual shows by major international acts.