BANTING — The Selangor government will recommend that urine screening be made a standard operating procedure (SOP) for concerns in the state, to prevent any involvement or use of drugs at such events.
State Local Government and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim suggested this following the deaths of four people who attending the Pinkfish Countdown on New Year’s Eve in Bandar Sunway. They were among seven people who consumed ecstasy pills.
“We want to tighten the SOP and look at what cooperation can be held with the police and local authorities, because when licences or permits (for concerts) are granted, we want to ensure that the organisers do a thorough check.
“So, from now on, we might need to conduct urine tests as part of the SOP for visitors.
“This recommendation will be brought up at the state executive council (MMKN) meeting so that people who abuse drugs or are drug addicts are not allowed to enter any concerts (venues),” Bernama reported Ng saying at a workshop for local authorities yesterday.
Ng said the recommendation will be raised at tomorrow’s MMKN meeting.
Also under review are weaknesses in the organisation of such events to look at how improvements that can be made for concert and event SOPs.
Besides urine tests, this can include providing scanning machine equipment and implement it so that any prohibited materials can be detected and prevented from being brought in to the venue.
Selangor Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi was previously reported saying that he viewed the Pinkfish deaths seriously and would hold discussions with Ng on steps forward.
Last Friday, Selangor police announced a temporary suspension of concert permits in the state until the investigation into the deaths of four individuals who died after attending the Pinkfish concert is completed.
On the suspension of permit issuance, Ng said this would have implications as organisers who have invested money in preparations.
At the moment, the exco said there were no events that need to be postponed.
However, one concert initially scheduled to be held in Bandar Sunway next week has been moved to Kuala Lumpur, he added.
Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan has said the suspension order would remain in force until police are confident that organisers are able to guarantee that they can control prevention of criminal elements, including the drug distribution of drugs at concerts. – January 7, 2025