PASIR PUTEH: The Kelantan government has empowered local authorities with licensing authority to regulate entertainment activities in the state, effective from the beginning of this month.
State Local Government, Housing, Health and Environment Committee chairman Hilmi Abdullah said the approval for entertainment event permits, previously under the authority of district officers, will now be transferred to the presidents of district councils.
He said the government will impose higher deposits of up to RM20,000 for events involving prominent artistes to prevent an excessive number of entertainment events.
"Previously, we only imposed deposits ranging from RM1,000 to RM2,000, but this is no longer appropriate. We have increased (the deposit) to RM5,000 to RM20,000 because when organisers invite well-known artistes with albums, the audience is usually larger.
"We want to avoid events getting out of control and ensure that organisers are more responsible and comply with the stipulated conditions," he said during the opening ceremony of the Jelawat Water Treatment Plant here by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan.
Hilmi said the increase in deposits was also aimed at reducing the enthusiasm of organisers in holding too many entertainment events.
He added that the Entertainment and Entertainment Venues Bill 2024, which will replace the 1998 Entertainment Enactment, is still in the process of being finalised.
He said several amendments are necessary due to many entertainment events not adhering to the guidelines set by the state government, leading to negative perceptions of Kelantan, including the recent viral dikir barat event involving provocative dances by female and male singers.
Hilmi said the organisers, hosts and artistes involved need to be aware of the boundaries set by the state government.
Meanwhile, Fadzli expressed regret over the circulation of the video depicting inappropriate and embarrassing behaviour, especially since it involved the dikir barat cultural event, which is synonymous with Kelantan.
"I want to advise the public to avoid immoral activities that can sabotage us. Although the video does not reflect the true character of the people of this state, I am deeply affected.
"The incident happened, but we must preserve dikir barat as a noble cultural heritage," he said.