Don't blame cops for lack of action against The 1975, says NGO

KUALA LUMPUR: The police should not be blamed for not taking action against British band The 1975 for their indecent act during Good Vibes Festival, says the Malaysian Community Crime Concern Organisation (MCCC).

Its president Tan Sri Musa Hassan said the police should have been informed of the incident immediately.

"Many are perplexed why the band managed to leave the country six hours after the incident without any action taken against them.

"For police to act, they must have a first information report on the incident.

"Anyone, including the audience or organiser, could have made the first report by calling the police," he told a press conference organised by Malaysia International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) on Wednesday (July 26).

Once the report is made, the police personnel who took down the information would inform their superiors for further action, said the former IGP.

"If any crime occurs, the first information is crucial. Those who supply the information do not even need to go to a police station, just call the police," he said.

Meanwhile, MHO secretary-general Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim called on the government to form an enforcement agency task force to monitor performances by foreign artistes.

"It will enable fast action against those who commit an offence while on stage," he said.

Hishamuddin also called for stern action to be taken against the event organisers.

"We should not tolerate foreigners who do not respect our customs and laws.

"The organisers, who allowed such bands to perform, must face stern action by the authorities," he said.

He added that stricter background checks on foreign acts must be done before they are allowed to perform in the country.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay earlier said that the band left the country six hours after the incident, long before any police report was lodged against them.

Addressing claims of police inaction, he said that the first report was lodged at 2pm on July 22, which was hours after the band had left the country.

"The incident occurred at 11.30pm on July 21 and we understand that the concert was stopped soon after.

"The band then left the country the very next morning at 5.30am. The report was made at 2pm so by that time, we were unable to take action because they had already left," he was reported as saying.

As of now, a total of 18 police reports have been lodged, with eight made in Selangor.

Thirteen statements have been recorded, including from the organisers and the Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (Puspal).