Concerts are back in full swing in Malaysia, and they’re doing more than just entertaining fans. They’re also giving the economy a serious boost.
In 2024 alone, Malaysia hosted 408 concerts, which collectively brought in RM553 million, according to Sin Chew Daily & Oriental Daily.
That’s a massive contribution to the economy through spending on tickets, hotels, transportation, food, and shopping.
People from all over the country and even from overseas flocked to these events, helping various sectors bounce back post-pandemic.
Deputy Minister of Communications Teo Nie Ching highlighted that the number of concerts has grown significantly over the past few years.
More concerts, more perks
In 2022, there were only 104 concerts. That number tripled to 335 in 2023 and jumped again to 408 in 2024.
To keep this momentum going, the Ministry is launching a new initiative called Concert and Event in Malaysia Incentives (CEMI), starting on May 15, 2025. The goal is to support large-scale events that attract more than 15,000 attendees.
Through CEMI, concert organisers can apply for financial rebates. For events featuring international artists, they can claim back up to 30 percent of eligible local spending, capped at RM1.5 million.
To qualify, at least 20% of the total budget must be spent locally, and 30 percent of the crew must be Malaysians.
Local organisers can also benefit. They’re eligible for the same 30% rebate, but it’s capped at RM1 million, and they must spend at least 70% of their budget within Malaysia.
