In a statement on SOP relaxations for the creative industry, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said allowing more of the sectors to operate would benefit over a million artistes and more than 19,000 businesses.

“The creative industry contributed 2% or RM29 billion of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2019.

“Apart from enabling more than a million activists, artistes and industrial workers to start working and earning a living, the relaxation will also revive the country’s creative industry.”

A number of other relaxations have also been announced for fully vaccinated workers and audiences.

Pre-taped and live broadcasts are now allowed, and shows with a live audience at 30% capacity are allowed.

Indoor busking is also now allowed, as are live musicals and theatre and comedy performances at a venue capacity of 30%.

Art exhibitions, galleries and museums will also be allowed to resume operations at 30% capacity.

Additionally, initiatives and programmes planned by the communications and multimedia ministry through the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia, MyCreative Ventures and the Arts and Culture Economic Development Agency will also resume.

“These are among the government’s ongoing efforts to stimulate the economic viability of the arts and creative industries,” Ismail said.

“I would like to urge all parties involved in the opening of this sector to always adhere to the conditions and procedures that have been set to avoid any risks or legal, safety and health implications, especially in the country’s efforts to move into the endemic phase by the end of October.”

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