KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 — The Communications Ministry has denied claims that foreign artists are not allowed to stay in Malaysia two days before a performance and must leave the country two days after.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said event organisers would generally apply for the necessary work period for foreign artists or crews according to the categories outlined by the Central Agency for Application of Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (Puspal).
The maximum temporary working period for each application is up to 90 days.
“There have been cases where foreign artistes received a one-week approval (to stay in the country) for a one-night performance,” she said when winding up the debate on the motion of thanks for the royal address on behalf of the ministry at the Dewan Negara today.
Teo added that the Professional Visit Pass (PLIK) issued by the Immigration Department for foreign artists is based on Puspal approval, while the duration of their stay in Malaysia is based on the application submitted by the organisers.
Foreign artists are subject to their performance schedules, and typically, they would leave the country immediately for their next show destination.
Meanwhile, throughout 2022 until this month, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) removed 5,690 obscene online content under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“The removals are subject to considerations by the platform providers based on the assessments according to the community standards that have been established,” she said.
3,766 online gambling websites were also blocked throughout 2022 until March 15 by official requests from the Royal Malaysia Police under the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.
— Bernama
