Khairy concerned over drug abuse among youths

Khairy

PETALING JAYA: Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin is concerned over youths resorting to drugs for entertainment after the nation was jolted by the death of six people during the Future Music Festival Asia (FMFA) last Saturday. 

“Since their deaths have been linked to substance abuse, I sincerely hope that the police are able to detect and capture the drug pushers especially the ones in the FMFA incident. These syndicates shouldn't be taken lightly. 

“I remind the youths not to get involved in drugs for any reason. I realised that there are some individuals who not only consume recreational drugs in clubs or rave concerts, but they are also taking it in order for them to study or work for days,” he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Monday. 

He advised Malaysians especially the youths that drug abuse was against the law and would be detrimental to them and their loved ones. 

Khairy also said he had discussions with Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to combat the problem. 

“The Youth and Sports Ministry will work together with other agencies under the Home Ministry like the National Anti-Drug Agency, police and other NGOs to have drug awareness campaigns for the youths. 

“I will also discuss with the other ministries like Ministry of Communications and Multimedia, Tourism and Culture Ministry, Federal Territories, and the Home Ministry to tighten the rules and criteria when giving out permits for concerts in the near future.  

“We will look into every aspects of organising in order for concerts in our country to be free from drugs and immoral activities,” he added. 

In regards to FMFA, Khairy said there were baseless accusations made by certain quarters including linking him and the organisers. 

“This is not true. Organisers of FMFA came to my office and informed me about the concert. They wanted to rent Bukit Jalil’s parking lot and I told them, if they get all the needed permits, they may apply to the Malaysian Stadium Corporation (PSM). 

“When PSM rent their premises to any organisers, the safety aspects are the organisers' responsibility.  

“That’s why I want to discuss with the relevant ministries who are involved in granting permits to ensure that a consensus is reached in order to avoid such an incident from happening again,” said Khairy. 

Six people reportedly died of drug overdose and nine others collapsed after allegedly consuming methamphetamine at the concert in Bukit Jalil at around 1.30am on Saturday. 

The police said the victims all tested positive for drugs and the deaths were ruled as overdose. Three people are reported to be in critical condition. 

The three-day festival, with international acts like Deadmau5, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Pharrel Williams, Rudimental and Porter Robinson, had been rocked by reports of drug abuse among concert goers, leading to 29 arrests for possession of drugs, such as ecstasy and marijuana. 

Those detained included 16 foreigners. They are being remanded until Tuesday.