The Business Events Council Malaysia (BECM) has welcomed the Malaysian government’s decision to reopen the business events sector, allowing the industry to host domestic events with up to 250 participants effective immediately.

Events can now be held under the comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regulations drawn up by industry leaders.

The industry association said the government announcement demonstrated recognition and importance of the business events industry in contributing to economic recovery and affirmed the government’s confidence that the sector can operate safely, and provide a controlled, regulated and secure environment for the commencement of events.

According to the Chairman of BECM, Alan Pryor (pictured): “The entire industry is excited to have been given the green light to resume business events, and we would like to express our appreciation to the government for their support and understanding. We would also like to thank the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) for their critical role in communicating with the government during this time and working with us to develop and present our SOPs, which are focused on ensuring the safety of everyone involved in business events.”

He continued: “Our industry understands that it is crucial in this new environment to deliver assurance and trust through the delivery of safe, hygienic, secure and controlled business events, and that is why, the industry as a whole, worked so hard to develop the comprehensive SOPs, in line with directives stipulated by the Malaysian government and guidelines and standards outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), to deliver safe, hygienic and healthy environments for all. It was great to witness how everyone came together to develop the various SOPs. This process has truly strengthened the voice of our industry and we recognise and thank all partners and stakeholders for their active involvement.”

The Chief Executive Officer of MyCEB, Dato’ Sri Abdul Khani bin Daud, added: “We would like to thank the government especially the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Malaysia, Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia and National Security Council (MKN) for their support and understanding. It has been very heartening to see how the entire industry supply chain has come together and worked in solidarity to proactively engage with the government and to establish their detailed SOPs, which are enabling us to reopen the sector.”