By Sharifah Mahsinah Abdullah

KOTA BARU: The Mak Yong dance can now be performed in Kelantan after a ban of some 28 years.

Kelantan deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah however said those who wish to stage the dance can only do so after they comply with syariah requirements and guidelines, that include making it compulsory for Mak Yong performers to cover their aurat.

The organisers also need to ensure separation between men and women on stage and in the audience.

“There must also be no element of worship in the performances.

“Similar guidelines are also imposed to wayang kulit (shadow puppet) and other traditional artistic Malay art performances. We want to ensure only Islamic-related performances are shown to the audience,” he told reporters after the state exco meeting, here, today.

Mohd Amar said despite the lift on the ban, the state government as well as the religious department would continue monitoring the performances of the traditional Malay art to ensure it conforms to requirements and guidelines.

The state government, he said would give its support to the organisers of this art as it would also help promote the tourism industry.

“This is not a problem actually. Organisers can apply for the permit and the related departments will give their consideration,” he added.

This article first appeared in The New Straits Times on 25 September 2019