Govt drafts rules to allow concerts on campus

Students looking to organise concerts on university grounds may have to go through several stages of approval, according to new guidelines expected to be released by the Department of Higher Education (JPT). 

The document states that the guidelines will apply to all public and private universities, to protect the image of the higher education ministry. 

Among others, the guidelines prohibit the provision of a mosh pit area at concert events. 

Organisers must also separate seating areas for male and female spectators, as well as those with families. 

"Every organisation of activities and programmes in the form of concerts must obtain approval from the student representative council or student union committee beforehand," the document said. 

"Then, a risk assessment must be conducted by the university management, which must officially notify JPT as a matter of record." 

Concert organisers are also responsible for ensuring that dance performances are "not offensive", the music genre is appropriate, and the song lyrics do not touch on community sensitivities. 

"Organisers must also seek the advice of the university's corporate office when preparing handouts, whether in the form of posters, buntings or brochures for promotional and publicity purposes," the document said.

The university meanwhile has the right to record the concert for reference purposes. 

Higher Education Minister Khaled Nordin was previously reported as saying that the guidelines had yet to be given the green light.