“We proposed the idea of having music at PPVs, just like what they’re doing in Bangkok,” says PPM assistant secretary Amizan Ariffin, 57, who is a keyboardist and vocalist.

The organisation received support and clearance from vaccination minister Khairy Jamaluddin and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and have since been performing alongside musicians from Persatuan Alumni Aswara and MY Buskers Club, a Facebook group.

Presently, PPM musicians play at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and Mines International Exhibition & Convention Centre, while buskers and Aswara alumni perform at the World Trade Centre (WTC).

In addition, the Aswara performers entertain jab-takers at Setia City Convention Centre, while musicians from MY Buskers Club share their talents at IDCC Ideal Convention Centre, both in Shah Alam.

The sessions are estimated to go on until the end of October when the vaccination operations end.

“We play instrumental sets as we are required to wear face masks throughout the performance,” says Amizan.

He shares that the reception has been positive. “People come up to thank us for the music and for calming them before the vaccination procedure. Some also inquire about the traditional instruments used, like the erhu, gucheng and gambus.”

He adds that this initiative has provided some relief to those who have not had an income for over a year now, explaining that tip jars have been placed in selected locations where the musicians perform.

Amizan and his wife have also embarked on a home catering business, AAKitchen Rooftop Melange, although music remains his first love.

“Should the government allow us to perform at more PPVs around the country, PPM is more than ready,” he says.

Keyboardists Zachary Fernandez and his father, Clinton Fernandez, have been performing at the KL Convention Centre PPV since the middle of last month.

“My dad is a full-time musician with the band La Viva,” Zachary, 26, tells FMT. “Prior to the pandemic, he used to perform three to four times a week. It’s his bread and butter.”

Their style of music is “old-school, jazzy songs that help calm listeners’ nerves”.

“We can see some of them moving their bodies and shaking their legs,” he says, adding that they have had photos and videos taken of their performances.

“The atmosphere would be rather gloomy if you don’t have music.”

Many of his father’s musician friends have sold their guitars, pianos and amplifiers just to survive. Zachary, who lost his job as a sound engineer at Astro last year due to the pandemic, has also started a home catering business, Zach’s Kitchen.

Izmarezam Aziz, also known as Tam, was invited by MY Buskers Club to perform at the WTC PPV. Before the pandemic, the 44-year-old full-time musician used to play at clubs and pubs, and for various functions.

“I used to work almost every night. All of a sudden, there were no gigs at all; you had to stay at home and there was nothing to do,” says the father of four.

Tam, who especially loves performing classic-rock covers, has since turned to livestreams as a source of income.

Although he admits it can be challenging to sing with the mask on, he is extremely grateful for the opportunity to play at PPVs.

“We get paid, and there’s a tip jar as well. I feel happy and appreciated when the audience smiles and acknowledges me.”

Part-time student Elijah Nyson, who goes by Elai, plays the guitar, bass and drums. He has been performing at the WTC PPV as part of the Persatuan Alumni Aswara.

“The pandemic took a toll financially. I could no longer play gigs but I still had to pay my school fees,” he says.

He has since started teaching guitar, bass and drum lessons online.

The multi-instrumentalist, who usually plays easy-listening ballads and pop songs, says tips have been good and he has even been approached for his name card.

“I wasn’t nervous at all to play at the PPV since the SOPs are strictly adhered to. I was rather excited as I haven’t performed in a long time,” he adds.

PPM’s initiative joins the list of musical performances at Klang Valley PPVs.

Among them, the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) saw live musicians perform in June; the Malaysian Association for the Blind in Brickfields featured performances by visually impaired musicians; and members of National Symphony Orchestra played classical music at various PPVs.

All in the spirit of calming nerves, and providing a little cheer to those waiting to get protected and on the frontlines.