AS live entertainment continues to be disallowed, it will not bode well for local entertainers and the music industry, Freddie Fernandez said as Malaysia prepares to transition to the endemic stage on April 1.

The Karyawan president said that since the onset of the pandemic, players in the music industry have been facing many challenges. 

Fernandez said about 3,000 musicians and entertainers are affected and if they were to include sound engineers, artists, music crews and DJs then the figures could reach up to 5,000. 

They are calling on the government to look into allowing live entertainment for the livelihood of all musicians, artists and disc jockeys. 

He told The Malaysian Insight that it has been two years after the first Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020 that musicians were not able to work.

“The biggest losers are the musicians, as we can see that restaurants and bars are allowed to serve food and drinks, but they (musicians) can’t perform.

“This has caused major upheaval in the music community. We were hoping that April 1 would bring some relief and we can return to normal life (performing). But, it seems that it is the one sector that has been forgotten.”

On March 8, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that apart from borders opening on April 1, eateries will be allowed to operate for 24 hours.

This will include a 50% capacity limit for events like weddings to be removed but organisers have to ensure reasonable social distancing.

He said that it will no longer be compulsory for anyone to be vaccinated for inter-state travel. 

According to the National Security Council standard operating procedure (SOP) dated February 23, Phase 4 prohibits any “entertainment activities” in a pub or nightclub.

The SOP allows busking under permitted activities (with conditions) and performances in hotel lounges. 

Fernandez said that they are now appealing through various channels to be allowed some leeway, so musicians can continue with live performances. 

He said that over the last two years they have sent letters to various government agencies for engagement on their situation.

“We have previously written to various ministers and authorities to allow for live performances.”

“We haven’t gotten any positive response from anyone. Our next step is to try and appeal to Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin. We believe he will respond to us.”

He said that last week the Malaysian Club Artistes Division, who is part of Karyawan, had sent a letter to Khairy requesting his intervention. 

“He is well known as an arts friendly person. If he gets the right picture then we hope to convince him to help us out.

“We understand that they have their own concerns about the (Covid-19 pandemic) situation.”

Fernandez said that outlets such as bars and restaurants that have entertainment licence should be allowed to have live music. 

“Bars and restaurants are allowed to operate, so why can’t (government) allow for live entertainment at outlets that are licensed?

“We can ensure that SOP is followed.”

Musicians trying to earn a living 

For musicians to survive, he said that many are driving for Grab, going into food and other businesses, selling off assets and doing whatever necessary to survive given the fact that they are not allowed to make a living from performing. 

He said that they have been fund-raising to assist musicians on a regular basis for the last two years. 

“The corporate sector, civil society groups and government agencies have provided aid.

“We have managed to collect almost RM200,000 in funds, which were distributed to the musicians.”

“Musicians want to go back to work. Give us a break, we have suffered long enough. 

“It will be a sad day, when musicians give up because that is where their talents lie, where their skills are.” 

He said that they have been frequently approached by people asking when there will be live entertainment. 

Fernandez said that as borders open and tourists come in, they might be seeking live music.

“Singapore has announced that they have opened up live entertainment. Hopefully we can do the same,” he added. – March 28, 2022.