COVID-19: KKMM preparing SOP for hosting of exhibitions, live events

The Communications and Multimedia Ministry (KKMM) is preparing a standard operating procedure (SOP) so that the hosting of exhibitions and live events can resume in closed areas, said its minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah.

He, however, said that such exhibitions and live events should not involve the presence of huge crowds as it would be difficult to practise social distancing.

He said that once refined, the SOP would be presented to the Ministry of Health (MOH) and National Security Council (MKN) to ensure that full compliance would not lead to the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

“We have suggested that, for now, the business-to-business (B2B) type of exhibitions be organised as they are generally held indoors and involves only those who are experts in the field.

“Be reminded that when the SOP is approved, it doesn’t mean exhibitions will continue to be held because preparations to organise such events take a few months, but what is important is that we have an indicator on the dates,” he told reporters after visiting the Pahang Broadcasting Department today.

Saifuddin said it was also crucial that B2B exhibitions be allowed to operate immediately as they were helpful from the economic aspect while also providing economic overflow to various other parties involved indirectly.

Commenting on live events, he said these too needed to be held indoors, like hotel lounges, and involving limited attendance.

On other developments, Saifuddin said applications for the RM225 million fund for the creative industry under the National Economic Recovery Plan (PENJANA) would be open from July, with approval set to be given as soon as possible.

He said this was because there were several technical aspects which needed to be reviewed to ensure that the distribution of the fund, to be conducted via bids, maintained its integrity and transparency in order to achieve its target.

“We know that the art fraternity is facing problems due to having no income following the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why there’s a need for these easy loans and grants to help them resume production, more so since over 80 per cent of their employees are freelancers,” he said.

Saifuddin said there were three types of financing under MyCreative Ventures, namely Creative Business Revival Loans, Microfinancing for Creative Entrepreneur and Bridging Facility for Content Producer, involving an allocation of RM100 million.

Meanwhile, the grants being offered are the Digital Marketing Grant, Cendana Recharge Scheme and Creative Industry Development Funding as well as the Digital Marketing Grant and allocation to the Digital Content Fund for the creative industry sector which focuses on animation and visual effects.

“I have also asked those involved to scrutinise existing funds from 2019 which were not utilised when filming was halted during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period so that they could be spent this year to revive art activities,” he said.

-- BERNAMA