Simple Plan performed at Zepp Kuala Lumpur in March. — Shiraz Projects/Instagram
PETALING JAYA: More studies should be done on the introduction of a “kill switch” that would stop concerts from proceeding during sudden untoward incidents, say concert organisers.
While they welcome the idea to avoid a repeat of the incident in July that involved a concert in Sepang, Selangor, by British band The 1975, they said the use of a kill switch should consider different situations involving different artistes.
They added that an independent body should also be created to implement the kill switch.
Rohit Rampal of Hitman Solutions, a concert promoter and event management company, said studies must be done first involving the authorities and concert organisers, adding that an SOP (standard operating procedure) must be in place as well.
Cutting an event short has to be the last option, which is why Rohit said he hopes that an independent authority will be appointed in the implementation of the kill switch.
“There is no one size fits all as there are many variables at play – different artistes, different venues, different types of performances,” he added.
Hitman Solutions organised the Pinkfish Music and Arts Festival in April. The company has also brought in US singer Ne-Yo and Indian artiste Sid Sriram to Malaysia.
On the behaviour of The 1975 singer Matt Healy, Rohit said that when it comes to artistes like Healy – “who has a record of going rogue” in other countries – the best policy is not to bring such artistes to Malaysia in the first place.
“As a concert organiser, we want our events to boost Malaysia tourism, for the fans to be entertained by their idols, and we want our vendors to have good sales,” he said.
Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching said in Parliament on Monday that the kill switch is to stop a concert by cutting the power supply so that the event cannot continue in case there are nasty surprises.
Iman Tang, who brings in many Indonesian acts to Malaysia, agreed with Teo’s suggestion.
“With the kill switch, anytime anything looks like it could jeopardise (the event), it can be stopped immediately,” he said.
He added that he already practises the kill switch himself if he suspects something amiss.
“When we send the application for the artiste to perform here, they must agree to the dos and don’ts.
“Once they have agreed to but don’t follow the rules, then it’s within our right (to halt their show),” said Tang.
While Shirazdeen Abdul Karim of Shiraz Projects agreed that the implementation of a kill switch is a “much-needed mechanism” to avoid a repeat of the fiasco with The 1975, he is worried that it will affect artistes’ willingness to perform in Malaysia.
“This new addition (to the rules) may deter certain artistes from coming to Malaysia,” he said.
“That’s why we need to consider how we’re going to implement this mechanism because it involves so many procedures.
“We need to explain to the artistes that this kill switch is for safety reasons and not to limit their creative freedom,” said Shirazdeen.
Shiraz Projects brought in British star Bruno Major and Canadian band Simple Plan to Malaysia this year.
