Kelantan government to ensure municipal councils conduct proper checks before issuing concert permits

KOTA BARU: The Kelantan government has directed all municipal councils in the state to ensure all concert organisers strictly follow guidelines, including those on song selection.

Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah said this was to prevent incidents that could tarnish the Kelantan government's Islamic image.

He said the recent incident where a crowd, including women, were seen dancing in an "improper" manner, had shocked the public, particularly the state government.

"I was informed that the organiser was given a permit to organise the concert and that it had provided separated areas for male and female audiences.

"They were reminded to dress modestly and cover their aurat, but some failed to control themselves after hearing a rock song, which led to them dancing.

"Therefore, the state government will ensure local councils conduct proper checks before issuing similar permits in future," he told at his office here today.

He was commenting on recent video clips that had gone viral showing women dancing at a concert in Ketereh.

Among those performing at the concert were the rock band Wings and singers Faizal Tahir and Ramli Sarip.

Amar said the state government hoped the incident would be a lesson to all when organising similar programmes in future.

"The state government will not hesitate to review the existing rules if such incidents recur," he said.