KANGAR: The local council here has cancelled all entertainment events at an ongoing carnival at Dataran Dato Sheikh Ahmad after a 'gelek dangdut' performance went viral over the weekend.
The two-minute and 18 seconds video featured singer Aida Elias performing a dangdut song with 'steamy' dance moves at the event on Saturday.
Kangar Municipal Council (MPKPs) president Norazlan Yahaya said the decision was made after the council called up the carnival organiser to provide explanation on the show.
"In the meeting, the organiser has admitted and apologised for violating the terms set for the entertainment approval.
"Acknowledging that the incident has created a bad perception towards the council and the state government indirectly, the organiser has extended an official apology letter.
"The organiser has appealed for the carnival's permit not to be revoked so that it could be held until Feb 5 as planned to avoid traders from suffering losses," he said in a statement today.
Norazlan said based on the apology and after taking into account potential losses on the traders, MPKPs agreed that the carnival should resume as planned but limited to trading activity.
"In the meantime, we are studying the proper action to hbe taken against the organiser.
"We (MPKPs) take responsibility over the issue and wish to extend apology to the state government and the people in Perlis for the incident and we will impose stricter monitoring to prevent recurrence," he said.
He added that the organiser had been informed before the event on the terms, particularly matters concerning performances and entertainment.
"Among the terms for stage performances included engagement between men and women, aurat observance for Muslim singers and respecting the sensitivity of the locals," he said.
The video was uploaded by Padang Besar Amanah chief Capt (R) Mohamad Yahya who criticised the Perikatan Nasional state government for allowing such performance in Perlis.
The carnival, which began on Jan 20 until Feb 5, gathered clothing, food and beverages traders from Perlis and other states.
Among the local artistes scheduled to appear during the carnival are Samudera band, Ukays, Aiman Tino, Mamat Exist and Aida Elias.