KUALA LUMPUR – The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has denied recent allegations of harassment against the owner of local live music venue Merdekarya.
In a statement, the local council said eight officers were conducting routine inspections to ensure businesses abide by relevant laws.
“The council did not issue any compounds to the premises during the inspection,” the statement read, adding that the officers on duty merely “gave advice and explained” the actions that could be taken if the business was caught breaking the law.
Yesterday, Merdekarya took to Twitter to blast Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari for allegedly sending “goons to threaten us”.
Council officers were accused of threatening with a RM5,000 compound for playing piped music without an entertainment licence.
After explaining to officers that the business is in the process of applying for a waiver of the fee, Merdekarya claimed it was told to remain closed until the fee is settled, or face a fine.
Merdekarya owner Brian Gomez told The Vibes that he is applying for a waiver as the full amount for the licence was paid for in 2020, despite not being able to open for business.
Last month, Merdekarya’s application to hold live music performances in its premises was rejected by MBPJ with the reasoning that indoor busking was prohibited by current standard operating procedures set by the National Security Council (NSC).
However, following clarification obtained by The Vibes from the NSC, MBPJ agreed to review the ban. At press time, an announcement has yet to be made on the matter. – The Vibes, March 26, 2022
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