ENTERTAINMENT centres such as nightclubs are suffering as a result of Putrajaya’s decision to keep them shut, in efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19. 

They have been told to remain close since the start of the epidemic in March 2020, and is the only activity that remains on the National Security Council’s (NSC) negative list. 

The Coalition of Business Industries now wants clarification from Putrajaya on why these entertainment centres are still not allowed to operate. 

In a statement, the group coordinator and co-founder Irwin Cheong said there was a need for the government to hold a meeting with relevant industry players to find a common ground. 

“Borders are opening, standard operating procedure (SOP) restrictions are being eased and we are transitioning into the endemic phase. However, entertainment centres are still not allowed to open. 

“What we seek here are opportunities for us to engage with the authorities, to find a common ground and enable this sector to open with compromise grounds,” said the coalition. 

The group said that entertainment has been closed for the longest period of time but was one of the business sectors that contributed to the employment market in the country as well as the economy. 

It added that the premises have all complied with strict licensing guidelines and Covid SOP. 

In its appeal to the government, the coalition affirmed that nightclubs would not operate any dance floors and would adhere to social distancing if allowed to operate again. 

Last week, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said nightclubs would remain shut as Malaysia transitions to the endemic phase on April 1.

He said this would be the only activity that remains on the NSC’s negative list.

“We looked into this on the balance of risk assessment. It is a high-risk location,” he said. 

Nightclubs have been closed since the start of the epidemic in March 2020. – March 14, 2022.