Sarawak has decided to refuse international artists who disagree with the federal government's stance on lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues, despite taking a more liberal stance than Peninsular Malaysia.

Despite the popularity of the international performers, Sarawak's Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries, and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, reaffirmed that the state government supported the unity government's decision to impose a ban on individuals who violated national policy.

In response to inquiries about the antics and criticism of the government made by the frontman of the British band 1975, Matt Healy, while appearing at the Good Vibes Festival 2023 at Sepang International Circuit in Selangor last Friday night, he said at a press conference here today, "If you have this kind of character, don't come to Sarawak."

He claims that when Sarawak invited foreign artists to play at musical events there, they were informed of their limitations.

We also kindly informed them that we are not fussy about attire, "as long as you don't go naked on stage," he continued.