KUALA LUMPUR – Istana Budaya’s new standard operating procedure brought in last year for rentals of its main Panggung Sari hall has helped overcome the problem of outstanding debts due to the national theatre, which it has faced since 2010.
Its director-general Zubaidah Mukhtar said the conditions state that each production company must make full payment before a performance and have to bear the payment of overtime for Istana Budaya staff who work for the production company.
“To avoid further debts, we (Istana Budaya) need to be firm with all parties. We do not want the same issue to be repeated.
“Alhamdulillah, since we implemented this ruling, there have been no cases of ABT (accounts receivable) from the rental of the premises since last year,” she said recently.
According to Istana Budaya, it will continue to charge RM15,000 for each performance, which it has done for almost 25 years, and the production company is required to pay a deposit of RM10,500 before the commencement of the performance.
Before Istana Budaya closes its doors for two years next year, Zubaidah said any production company or agency interested in holding a performance or staging at Panggung Sari is welcome to do so before the end of the year.
“We still have several slots available for shows before we end the year. Interested parties can send in their requests, the latest by September,” she said.
She said the national theatre will be closed from January 1, 2024 to January 1, 2026 to enable maintenance and repair work on the exterior of the iconic building, especially the replacement of the roof, involving an allocation of almost RM30 million.
She said this is the first time the building will undergo major repairs and maintenance since it began operations nearly 25 years ago.
She added that there will be no more delays and work will be completed within the stipulated period. – Bernama, May 20, 2023
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