KUALA LUMPUR: The government is set to meet with the Arts, Live Festivals, and Events Association (Alife) to discuss a proposal mandating drug urine tests for concert-goers in Selangor, says Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
Fahmi, who is also the government spokesperson, said the proposal is still in its preliminary stages and needs thorough consideration at the state level.
“I have asked the association representing event organisers to submit their concerns in writing.
“This matter should be discussed at the state level as it also involves the local government,” he told the press after launching the International Regulatory Conference (IRC) 2025 yesterday.
He emphasised the need to consider various aspects, including legal compliance and collaboration with the police, to achieve a balance between event organisation and ensuring safety for attendees by the organisers.
Fahmi said he has requested Alife to write in to both his office and that of Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari concerning the proposal.
This development follows Selangor’s recommendation to implement urine tests as a standard operating procedure for concert attendees to curb drug use.
State local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said the recommendation would be discussed at the state executive council meeting today.
The proposal comes in the wake of the police’s temporary suspension of concert permits in Selangor, announced last Friday.
The suspension is in place until investigations into the deaths of four individuals at the Pinkfish Concert in Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, are concluded.
