KUCHING, June 22 ― Sarawak is ready to host international concerts for Malaysia as long as the organisers and concertgoers adhere to rules and regulations, said Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

According to the tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister, performances by international superstars DJ Alan Walker and DJ Soda here last year proved Sarawak could stage concerts by global artistes.

"The kind of crowd that came was beyond our expectations. So we cannot generalise the whole Malaysia as the same. A lot of events we held here were not really strict on attire, as long as they’re not naked. To me it’s okay,” he told a press conference after chairing a Sarawak Youth Day 2023 meeting today.

The state youth, sports and entrepreneur development minister was commenting on news reports that Malaysia missed an "economic lottery” after popular British band Coldplay sold out six shows in Singapore in January next year.

Coldplay’s sole concert in Malaysia, which will be on November 22 in Kuala Lumpur, had been met by opposition from, among others, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) over alleged links with the LGBTQ community.

Abdul Karim noted that while Singapore is quite open, the country also sets limits which performers and concertgoers must follow.

"If they are naked, they will get arrested. Those caught taking drugs will also be arrested. It is the same here. The important thing is how we regulate and implement the law. It can be done,” he said.

He opined that the way Malaysians conduct themselves is partly to blame for many international artistes bypassing the country.

"If everything is cannot, the Islamic party said this cannot and that is sensitive, in the end you cannot hold anything. So the ministry and the politicians have to be strong. Now everything seems to be issue — nurse’s attire and now bak kut teh also become issues,” he said.

Separately, Abdul Karim said this year’s Sarawak Youth Day will be held in Kapit on October 26-28.

He said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to officiate at the event, which will be hosted by Kapit for the first time.

He said the highlight of the event will be the presentation of the Tokoh Belia award.

"We expect some 1,500 people to come to Kapit for this event. Coupled with locals from Kapit, we expect Kapit to be crowded during the three-day event,” he added. ― Borneo Post