She said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) had been issuing permits to street performers since March 30, 2014, to regulate the busking scene and ensure that it remains professional.

“Currently, 579 street performers hold permits, comprising 374 in the music performance category and 205 in creative visual arts such as clowns, mascots, magicians, and henna artists.

“To prepare for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, we hope that buskers will not limit themselves to pop or sentimental love songs, but also showcase traditional music styles like gamelan and ghazal,” she said in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Zaliha was responding to P Prabakaran (PH-Batu), who asked whether DBKL had any initiatives to elevate street performers to the level of those in major cities like London and Paris in preparation for the Visit Malaysia campaign.

The minister said it was important for buskers to present themselves professionally, including dressing appropriately and engaging with audiences in a courteous manner.

To maintain quality and ensure compliance with regulations, DBKL has made it mandatory for all street performers to attend a workshop before renewing their permits.

“The workshop covers performance guidelines, vocal and instrumental techniques, sound control, audience engagement strategies, and legal awareness in collaboration with the police,” Zaliha said.

Zaliha said DBKL had also established a task force to monitor performers, enforce regulations, and prevent disruptions such as traffic congestion in busy areas like Bukit Bintang.

“With these initiatives, we hope Kuala Lumpur’s buskers will enhance their role in shaping the city’s cultural identity as we work towards making it a true cultural hub by 2026,” she added.