Angkasa Event Space allowed to reopen, subject to conditions 

KUALA LUMPUR – Live music venue Angkasa Event Space has had its suspension conditionally lifted, two months after it was sealed following a raid by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) over permits.

Speaking to The Vibes, venue co-founder Mohd Zulhelmie Zullifan, or Elmi, said he was informed today that the venue has been allowed to reopen its doors to the public, albeit with slight limitations on the events it can host.  

“For now, we can use our space to hold learning events and even birthday parties – as long as there is no live DJ,” he said, adding that he and his team are in the process of settling the RM50,000 compound DBKL had issued during its raid in July. 

“We are trying to ask for a lower amount but they (DBKL officers) told us that there is a high possibility that we will have to pay the full figure,” he said. 

Angkasa had problems with DBKL in the past over permits needed to host live gigs. The permits require a deposit of RM30,000, an amount the venue operator says is too much for those in the independent and fringe music scene.

On July 24, DBKL had suspended Angkasa because it was found to have conducted entertainment activities – including having a live DJ – without a valid licence from the city hall. 

Elmi said the necessary funds to pay off the DBKL compound have been gathered from a fundraising event held on August 20 at Panggung Asia, Gombak. 

Angkasa’s entertainment licence was also renewed last month, according to Elmi, who added that the DJ board confiscated in July’s raid has not yet been returned. 

He also shared clips of DBKL officers removing its security perimeter tape from the premises in Bandar Sri Permaisuri, adding that a prayer ceremony will be held tonight to commemorate the venue’s re-opening. – The Vibes, September 8, 2022