Istana Budaya overcomes outstanding debts with new rental SOP

KUALA LUMPUR - Istana Budaya's move to implement a new standard operating procedure (SOP), beginning last year, with regard to the process and full procedure of renting its main hall, Panggung Sari, has helped overcome the national theatre’s problem of outstanding debts, which it has faced since 2010.

Its director-general, Zubaidah Mukhtar said the conditions stated that each production company must make full payment before a performance and had to bear the payment of overtime for Istana Budaya staff who work for the production company.

"To avoid further debts, we (Istana Budaya) need to be firm with all parties. We do not want the same issue to be repeated.

"Alhamdulillah, since we implemented this ruling, there have been no cases of ABT (accounts receivable) from the rental of the premises since last year," she told Bernama recently.

According to Istana Budaya, it will continue to charge RM15,000 for each performance, which it has done for almost 25 years, and the production company is required to pay a deposit of RM10,500 before the commencement of the performance.

Before Istana Budaya closes its doors for two years next year, Zubaidah said any production company or agency interested in holding a performance or staging at Panggung Sari were welcome to do so before the end of the year.

"We still have several slots available for shows before we end the year. Interested parties can send in their requests, the latest by September," she said.

She said Istana Budaya will be closed from Jan 1, 2024 to Jan 1, 2026 to enable maintenance and repair work on the exterior of the iconic building, especially the replacement of the roof, involving an allocation of almost RM30 million.

She said this is the first time the building will undergo major repairs and maintenance since it began operations nearly 25 years ago.

She added that there will be no more delays and work will be completed within the stipulated period. - BERNAMA