STRINGENT checks on concert-goers are needed to prevent drugs from being brought into venues.
Selangor local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said this when asked about the ban on concerts in the state following four drug-related deaths at a New Year's Eve concert in Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya.
Ng said attending concerts was meant to be a healthy activity.
“But a few troublemakers are giving it a bad name.
“So, we need to tighten the security.
“Some concert organisers do thorough body checks before allowing people to enter.
“Body scanners are also sometimes used to ensure concert-goers do not bring in prohibited items,” he told reporters when met at an event in Banting on Jan 6.
Commenting on the decision by Selangor police to temporarily suspend approval of permits for concerts pending investigations into the tragedy, Ng said the move was bad for the state's tourism and economy.
“Concert organisers plan these events way in advance and will incur losses due to the sudden restriction.
“One organiser has changed the venue to Kuala Lumpur due to the permit issue.
“As such, Selangor executive council members will be meeting to discuss the matter, and aim to come up with stringent guidelines to regulate concert activities better,” he said.
