KUALA LUMPUR: An event organiser has successfully sued a production company which promised to bring in K-Pop acts for a live concert last year.
The Livescape Group recently sued and won a court case for breach of contract against World Wonder Fest Sdn Bhd.
The case heard by the Kuala Lumpur High Court concerned the K-Pop concert WKNDFEST Vol. 1 K-Pop Edition that was supposed to be held at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil here on Aug 30, 2019.
Livescape Group chief executive officer Iqbal Ameer said: "As live event organisers, we have always strived to bring world class artistes to Malaysia. This situation has dampened our reputation. We're thankful to the authorities for letting our voices be heard. I hope this decision will encourage others to speak up for their rights."
Freelance organiser Delnah Muncher Kappawalla said that she was engaged to carry out work for WKNDFEST on July 1, 2019, but did not receive payment. She lodged a police report.
"I hope that the police will take action to ensure that my rights are still protected."
Event organiser Sanjay Neil also filed a police report for unpaid work owed to his company. "Smaller companies like mine have always risked falling prey to bigger companies that take advantage of others. We commenced work on May 5, 2019."
On Aug 19, 2019, World Wonder Fest announced that the event would no longer be taking place as originally scheduled. They claimed they were bullied by a business partner and pinned their incompetence on a poor working relationship between the business partners who helped in the event. They mentioned that they were also "ill-advised, instructed, and bullied into making decisions" while falsely claiming negligence on their business partner's end.
Non-governmental organisation Arts, Live Festival and Events Association (ALIFE) president Rizal Kamal said that they were closely monitoring the situation.
He said: "Fly-by-night promoters ruin the image of our industry. I find the modus operandi of intentionally creating and cancelling events unethical and criminal. Suppliers, artistes and ticket purchasers should check with ALIFE to verify a producer's legibility before engaging with them."