Malaysia reiterates dress code for performers

Malaysian authorities are warning once again that music performers should follow strict government policies if they want to stage concerts in the Southeast Asian country.

The move comes after Beyonce cancelled her Nov. 1 show in Kuala Lumpur last week, which her promoters blamed on a "scheduling conflict."

But according to Billboard magazine, a music industry trade paper, the real reason was the singer's apparent refusal to conform to the country's strict dress code.

Several Muslim groups had urged the country's Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage to stop the concert.The ministry introduced a compulsory dress code and other rules for performers in 2005.

"Our guidelines for performances by foreign artists are explicitly stated," Siti Zaleha Baba, an official from the ministry's central committee for filming and performance by foreign artists, told Billboard.

"Promoters are advised to alert artist managers about the guidelines before applying for a licence to stage the concert."

Western promoters have said they are facing increased pressure in Malaysia to conform to conservative dress codes and restrictions on dance moves because ofprotests by conservative Muslims, who believe liberal Western performances can corrupt young people.

No bare skin from the chest to the knees

Female performers are forbidden from showing skin from the tops of their chests to their knees and their clothing can not have any obscene or drug-related messages or images.

Profanity is banned and so is hugging or kissing members of the audience or anyone on stage.

Promoters must pledge in writing that they accept the rules and will ensure the performers will follow them.

Gwen Stefani complied with the dress code for her sold-out August show in Kuala Lumpur. Other performers who have observed the rules include Mariah Carey and Linkin Park.

However, the Pussycat Dolls did run afoul of government regulations last year.

Concert promoter Absolute Entertainment was fined $2,900 by Kuala Lumpur city council in July 2006 when the act violated the dress code and performed "suggestive" dance moves during its show.