In light of this, tourism, culture and arts minister Nancy Shukri said there was a need to restore the cultural non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to enable the sector to be active again.
In a statement today, Nancy said RM2.21 million was allocated to 217 such NGOs last year to revive the sector.
From the total allocation approved by the ministry’s culture evaluation committee, RM1.63 million went to fulfilling 30 applications for aid for the NGOs to carry out their activities while RM582,500 was channelled to 187 associations impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
To enable these cultural NGOs to be active again during this challenging time, Nancy said engagement sessions were being held in stages to give these NGOs and the ministry the opportunity to share ideas and exchange views.
The ministry has held engagement sessions with Persatuan Seni Bangsawan Bintang Timur, Persatuan Seni dan Teater Selangor, Persatuan Pemuzik Malaysia and Persatuan Karyawan Malaysia.
Nancy said the attendance at cultural shows would depend on the capacity of the venue and the Covid-19 situation at the time.
“From time to time, our ministry will provide the standard operating procedures to enable the reopening of the cultural sector.
“But this decision would depend on the National Security Council and health ministry,” she added.
On the suggestion by a music industry representative for financial injection by the communications and multimedia ministry and her own ministry to reactivate music performance at hotels, Nancy said the matter needs further study.
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