Minister Says Concert Dress Code In Sarawak Is More Relaxed Than in Peninsular M’sia

Concert attendees in Sarawak are free to dress stylishly and even provocatively—provided their outfits are not excessively revealing.

Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, recently addressed the state’s concert dress code regulations, emphasising a more lenient stance compared to Peninsular Malaysia.

“There’s nothing wrong with being sexy out there,” he stated.

Balanced Guidelines, Not Strict Restrictions

When asked whether Sarawak enforces a specific dress code for concerts, Abdul Karim acknowledged that attire regulations exist worldwide, including in Western countries.

“Even in the United States, a performer wouldn’t be allowed to go on stage naked,” he pointed out, reinforcing that while Sarawak has its own set of guidelines, they are far less rigid than those imposed in Peninsular Malaysia.

“Sexy outfits are acceptable as long as they remain within reasonable limits and do not invite excessive criticism,” he added.

Sarawak’s Growing Entertainment Scene

Abdul Karim made these remarks during a press conference for the upcoming Nidji: Pelangi di Kuching 2025 concert, scheduled for 26 April at Plaza Merdeka.

He also referenced last year’s Borneo Sonic Music Festival, where many attendees wore revealing outfits, reiterating that there was no controversy surrounding their attire.

Furthermore, the Minister reaffirmed Sarawak’s commitment to fostering a vibrant entertainment scene, highlighting major events such as the Rainforest World Music Festival, Borneo Jazz, and Kuching Jazz Festival.

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