PETALING JAYA: The authorities should make a distinction between raves featuring electronic dance music (EDM) and other types of concerts when considering what security measures to impose on organisers, says the Arts, Live Festival and Events Association.
Its chairman R. Paramanathan said the risk profile and the necessary management of EDM events versus those of other concerts, which included comedy shows, were different.
“We cannot lump all events into one basket because looking at rave or EDM events, they have isolated risk profiles, where organisers are subjected to different situation preparations – for example, (tackling) drug or substance usage,” he said.
He added that EDM events were quite prone to such incidents.
Paramanathan said making the distinction between EDM and non-EDM shows would also help organisers get a clearer understanding of what they were getting themselves into.
He was responding to the Selangor police move to suspend all permit approvals for concerts following four drug-related deaths at the Pinkfish Countdown 2024 event.
Investigations showed that all four had consumed Ecstasy pills at the concert.
ALSO READ: Concert permits halted pending stricter measures
Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said stricter requirements will be imposed in the future.
However, Paramanathan said incidents of drug usage were not only an on-going threat in Malaysia, but also worldwide.
He said there were many reckless people who used drugs at events, clubs and on the road.
“But it is difficult to know what substances people have consumed before (going to a concert),” he said, adding that Ecstasy use could only be determined with a urine test.
Currently, those intoxicated or showing symptoms of being under the influence are not allowed into concert venues, he said.
“They are either diverted to get medical help or to security,” he added.
ALSO READ: Suspected drug use led to deaths at Pinkfish concert
Paramanathan said additionally, before an event is organised, there would be already safety and security contingencies along with risk mitigation plans that are sent for approval from the relevant authorities and agencies.
This strict process involves the police, municipality, and Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (Puspal), he said.
Once all the boxes are ticked, then the on-site implementation takes place according to the risk profile of the event, he added.
“A large-scale outdoor event has a different risk profile from an indoor event or comedy show,” he said.
He also said concerts and events were a “tourism multiplier” for the country.
