KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 4 — The Selangor state government is set to hold discussions with local authorities to review new guidelines for organising concerts in the state, aimed at ensuring the safety of attendees and preventing the use of illegal substances.
Utusan Malaysia reported today that Mohd Najwan Halimi, the state exco for youth, sports and entrepreneurship, announced that he would meet with the state exco for tourism and local government, Datuk Ng Suee Lim, to address the matter.
“New guidelines will be discussed later. I will also consult with the exco for local government to revisit the issue. Previously, there had never been a fatality linked to the use of illegal substances,” Najwan was quoted as saying after officiating the Madani Youth Tour in Selangor today.
According to the national daily, he went on to say that the review is necessary to ensure proper enforcement, particularly regarding the consumption and use of illegal substances, and to take strong action against those involved.
“We want to avoid such incidents in the future, and I agree that we need to review the guidelines or the implementation of concerts going forward,” he added.
This move follows the temporary suspension of concert permits in Selangor, particularly those involving alcohol, to assess safety measures and control drug distribution.
The decision was made after Selangor police announced yesterday that concert permits were being paused to ensure proper safety protocols were in place.
Selangor Police Chief, Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, said that the suspension aims to prevent incidents similar to the four fatalities at the PinkFish Countdown 2024 event in Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya last Tuesday.
“We need to ensure the situation is under control and avoid further tragedies,” Hussein said.
Najwan expressed his regret over the tragic event, assuring the public that authorities are investigating the matter.
“However, we are confident that the authorities will investigate and take appropriate action to suspend concerts that are currently planned,” he said.
He urged future concert organisers to reassess their procedures.
“While the guidelines are generally clear, sometimes there are factors beyond the control of organisers and authorities,” he added.
