The non-profit body, ALIFE is taking a stand and voicing out support to better safeguard the Malaysian live events and entertainment industry. Shedding light on important issues and concerns faced by the industry within the past two years, ALIFE aims to bring about better treatment for Malaysian organizers and promoters alike.
Image Para Rajagopal, President of ALIFE
ALIFE has found that for the past two years, there have been multiple threats of cancellations being made against local event promoters and live protests being conducted outside event venues prior to the shows. False statements were also found circulating online in regards to two music events that took place on 8th and 15th December 2017 at KL Live. The organisers of these targeted events are both trusted members of ALIFE and have continued to generate credible live events in Malaysia for many years.
The organisers of the two targeted events, Mr. Iqbal Ameer of the Livescape Group and Mr. Ben Law of Future Sound Asia, adhered to the necessary guidelines and protocols set by specific governing bodies including PUSPAL, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the Royal Malaysian Police Force (PDRM) prior to both events and received verbal and written support from all government bodies involved. Support by these honourable institutions proves that these events have gone through a check-and-balance system of the highest quality, an important aspect in advancing the local events industry to an international level.
In 2017 alone, our industry has featured some of the world’s biggest and best-selling pop acts including Selena Gomez, Ed Sheeran, and two of the biggest DJs in the world, Tiesto and Armin Van Buuren. Unbeknownst to many, the main reason artist is unable to perform in our country is most often due to scheduling or financial constraints.
All of these issues have collectively created negative consequences for event organisers, confused consumers, and adversely affected ticket sales. This in return has jeopardized the livelihood of local businesses and, ultimately, the state of the Malaysian live events and entertainment industry.
Due to this, ALIFE together with its members, are taking a stand today and have agreed to take necessary action to safeguard the growth of the events and entertainment industry in Malaysia. This press conference serves as the first step to putting a stop to the unjust and discriminatory treatment received by Malaysian organisers and promoters.