The Weeknd's Malaysia Concert Sparks 'Demonic' And 'Un-İslamic' Claims, Religious Authorities Investigating

Malaysia's religious affairs minister has warned that firm action will be taken if Canadian singer The Weeknd's concert in Bukit Jalil is found to have breached the country's religious sensitivities.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) was working with the secretariat of the Central Agency Committee for Applications of Filming and Performances by Foreign Artistes (PUSPAL) to verify claims surrounding the concert.

In a Facebook post on 9 Nov, Zulkifli said the authorities were checking whether the performance had complied with the conditions imposed on the event.

He also stressed that Islam strictly prohibits the worship of anything other than Allah, adding that artistic performances should not cause confusion over matters of faith, morality or religious sensitivities.

Following the announcement, some netizens criticised Zulkifli and the government, arguing that concerts are entertainment events and should not be treated as religious gatherings.

The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, performed at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on 4 and 5 Nov as part of his After Hours Til Dawn tour.

The concert drew criticism from some quarters over its stage visuals, including a giant golden statue. Malaysia's Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) had reportedly questioned whether certain elements of the performance resembled worship rituals.

Others echoed the concerns, with some saying that the concert's stage visuals and performance elements gave it a ritual-like atmosphere.