Cinemas, live shows in NRP Phase 1 states to resume Thursday

KUALA LUMPUR – Cinemas and live performances will be allowed at restricted capacity for states under Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) beginning Thursday, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

“I would like to urge all parties involved in the opening of this sector to always adhere to the prescribed conditions and procedures to avoid any legal, safety and health risks as the country moves into the endemic phase by the end of October.”

In a statement this evening, he outlined eight areas in which the standard operating procedures for the creative industry have been relaxed:

1. Development and broadcast of creative content, whether a recording or live broadcast;

2. A recorded or live broadcast with an audience that has been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, and at 30% audience capacity in the studio space;

3. Shoots inside and outside a studio environment for individuals who have completed their vaccination;

4. Indoor busking for vaccinated individuals;

5. Performances by vaccinated individuals in hotel lounges;

6. Cinema activities for individuals who have been vaccinated, at 50% capacity in the screening hall;

7. Live performances, such as theatres, musicals, and those related to music and comedy, on a pre-registered basis, with a fully vaccinated audience and at 30% audience capacity; and,

8. Art exhibitions in exhibition halls, museums and art galleries on an appointment basis for visitors who have completed their vaccination, and at 30% visitor capacity.

Ismail Sabri said it is hoped that the decision will provide relief to a million stakeholders, artists and workers in the industry, including 19,000 companies.

The loosened restrictions are subject to the SOPs approved by the National Security Council, and apply to those who have received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, he said.

He said the new rules are also based on certain states seeing 80% of their adult population fully immunised or attaining herd immunity.

The creative industry contributed 2%, or RM29 billion, of the nation’s gross domestic product in 2019, he added.

“Apart from enabling more than a million players, artists and industry workers to earn a living, this relaxation can revive the country’s creative industry, which has been really affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“At the same time, it allows all initiatives and programmes planned by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission through the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia, MyCreative Ventures and Cultural Economic Development Agency to resume.” – The Vibes, September 7, 2021