Some are pleading, willing to sit on the stairs – Tiara Jacquelina

SUNWAY SQUARE, PETALING JAYA, 11 OCTOBER 2026 —

Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina, the producer and director of Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical (PGLM), expressed deep regret on Saturday that approximately 22,000 fans were unable to secure tickets for the upcoming theatrical production.

The scale of the unmet demand has generated significant public discourse, with many potential viewers expressing frustration over their inability to attend the performance. Jacquelina revealed that she has received numerous appeals from fans who are willing to stand or sit on the stairs of the venue, provided they can witness the show. This reaction highlights the enduring popularity of the musical, which has become a cultural phenomenon in Malaysia.

Speaking during a rehearsal session at the Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre (JCPAC) in Sunway Square, Petaling Jaya, Jacquelina described the situation as emotionally difficult.

She stated, “I feel very guilty and sorry for the 22,000 people who were still queuing online but had no opportunity to buy tickets because it was already ‘sold out’.” She noted that if the venue were privately owned by the production team, they would have attempted to accommodate all interested parties. However, she explained that other performances are scheduled immediately after PGLM, limiting the ability to extend seating capacity or add extra shows.

The producer’s own experience with the ticketing system mirrored that of the general public. Jacquelina disclosed that she managed to purchase only a single ticket for her husband, Tan Sri Effendi Norwawi. She explained that she initially intended to buy tickets for other dates but found that all other slots were exhausted. “I bought that one ticket just to try when the line opened.

I didn’t expect that I wouldn’t be able to buy any other tickets,” she said.

The rapid sell-out has been interpreted by Jacquelina as a testament to the quality and longevity of the production. She remarked, “If a work is good, it will surely last long, proven by the fact that 23,000 tickets were sold in two hours.” She emphasized that such a rapid sell-out has never occurred for any other show in Malaysia, serving as evidence that there is still a strong audience base eager to watch PGLM.

Looking beyond the domestic market, the production team is currently in early stages of negotiations to bring PGLM to Singapore. Jacquelina noted that fans from Singapore have also been vocal on social media, complaining that they missed the chance to grab tickets for the Malaysian run. She recalled a previous visit to the Esplanade Theatres around 2006, where the show achieved a “full house” attendance, necessitating the addition of two extra performances.

Regarding the potential Singaporean tour, Jacquelina stated, “We are actually in discussions with the relevant parties for PGLM to go there, but a production of this scale is not easy to relocate, insya-Allah if there is fortune.” She acknowledged the logistical complexities involved in moving a large-scale musical production to another country, while expressing hope for a successful outcome.

The current run of PGLM is set to make history by being staged at JCPAC Sunway Square, which Jacquelina described as the most advanced theater in Malaysia. She highlighted the venue’s state-of-the-art technology and optimal visual comfort from every seating angle.

The production features a star-studded cast including Mila Mohsin and Aisha Retno as Gusti Putri, Aqasha as Hang Tuah, Mimi Fly and Nadia Aqilah as Bayan, Luqman Hafidz as Sultan Melaka, and Yisof Hashim as Gusti Adipato. The performances are scheduled to run from October 31 to November 15.

Related: Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre · Tiara Jacquelina · Sunway Square, Petaling Jaya