SHAH ALAM: Determining the right number of concert-goers based on venues in Selangor and having plainclothes police officers present are among the safety measures being considered by authorities.
Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said placing Narcotic Crime Investigation Department (NCID) teams at concerts will be proposed for future concerts.
The teams, he said, would collect intelligence and curb drug sales and abuse.
“They will go undercover to nab those involved in drug-related activities at concerts, such as using and selling drugs,” he told a press conference at the state police headquarters yesterday.
This follows the four drug- related deaths at the Pinkfish Countdown 2024 event, with investigations showing that they had consumed ecstasy pills.
Comm Hussein said the police are also looking at determining the right number of audience members at concerts according to venues.
This was to avoid overcapacity at venues, he said, adding that the police would propose the appropriate number of concertgoers.
The proposals are among stricter requirements for future concerts in the state, he said.
“We will meet with local authorities and concert organisers soon to finalise the requirements for future concerts,” he said.
On the investigation into the PinkFish concerts, Comm Hussein said two of those detained for selling ecstasy had been charged recently.
“They were charged under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
“The third suspect was released on police bail,” he said, adding that the suspects were detained on Jan 8 and Jan 21.
“Investigations showed that some of the victims who survived bought ecstasy pills at the concert.
“There were also those who got the pill outside and took it before the concert began,” he said.
Besides the four fatalities, three others fell unconscious at the concert in Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, on New Year’s Eve.
Comm Hussein had said the concert organiser had failed to ensure the safety of concertgoers, and police were determining if too many people were at the venue.
He has said that 14,000 tickets were sold, but this figure did not account for the event’s security and first aid teams.
“We believe more than 14,000 people were there that night,” he said.
