KUALA Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) today announced that buskers, or street musicians, are allowed to perform  from 3pm to 9pm since February 26.

DBKL, in a statement today, said the permission was only for busking indoors such as in shopping malls, food courts and restaurants, and the performers must comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the National Security Council (MKN).

“The buskers are required to wear face masks at all time, except when singing, with each group limited to only three people and with physical distancing of one metre. 

“Spectators are not allowed to be involved in the performance, take selfie or photographs with the buskers. Collections will only be allowed via a tip box or potter situated one metre away from the buskers and the QR Code method is encouraged,” he said.

DBKL said buskers wishing to use the premises would have to get prior permission while the number of spectators allowed would depend on the size of the venue.

DBKL also plans to provide more space for buskers through the use of premises like the Urban Transformation Centres and food courts under the supervision of local authorities so as to help them generate income.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Busker Club president Wady Hamdan said the approval had allowed buskers to recover their income.

“We are thankful for the announcement as buskers have had to find other jobs besides selling their musical instruments to meet daily needs,” he said. – Bernama, March 2, 2021.