In a brief statement, the ministry said Fahmi never issued a statement on the guidelines.

“The revised guidelines dated Dec 31 on the ministry’s website were aimed at simplifying and easing the conditions for the relevant parties dealing with filming and performances by foreign artistes,” the statement said.

The guidelines were drawn up by the Central Committee for Application of Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (Puspal).

Earlier today, The Star reported that foreign artistes could no longer hold large concerts and live performances on the eve of Islamic public holidays and on the holiday itself from 2024 under new guidelines.

The prohibition covers the entire month of Ramadan, Awal Muharram, Maulidur Rasul, Israk Mikraj, Nisfu Sya’ban, Nuzul Al-Quran, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Aidiladha.

Male foreign artistes will also be banned from crossdressing while performing.

The paper also quoted Fahmi as saying that all stakeholders and communities had been consulted over the new guidelines and that they would be enforced in 2024.

He said engagements with stakeholders would continue, and a second update would be made to the guidelines before their implementation next year.

He added that the updates were made to “protect the sensitivities of everybody in Malaysia”.

The Star has since taken down the story.