KUALA LUMPUR – The proposal to implement urine checks at concert venues is neither practical nor feasible, according to National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh.
Urine screening to detect drug abuse requires careful execution and time, making it unsuitable for large concert crowds, he explained.
“We can conduct random tests. But concerts are hardly held in a hall, but in a big stadium.
“And for us to carry out the tests for everyone present is so not practical,” he said during AADK’s monthly assembly at its headquarters today, as reported by Bernama.
Instead, Ruslin emphasised that the agency is prioritising enforcement efforts, increasing its presence at concert venues, and promoting anti-drug prevention campaigns.
“Perhaps, on the tickets themselves, we can include an anti-drug logo and also run an anti-drug campaign before the concert begins.
“I will meet with the event (concert) organisers to find the best solution…we do not want this (entertainment) industry to be associated with drugs, even though only a small number of people use them,” he added.
Ruslin also highlighted alarming drug abuse statistics. Up to September last year, the number of drug abuse cases had risen by 31.6% compared to the same period in 2023, with 169,691 offenders identified. Among these, individuals aged 19 to 39 formed the largest group, with 98,977 offenders, or 53.8% of the total.
The most commonly abused substances, he noted, were amphetamine-type stimulants, including methamphetamine, ecstasy, and syabu, which accounted for 70% of cases, followed by opiate-type drugs.
“The trend demonstrates that drug and substance abuse remains a significant issue that needs to be tackled more effectively,” he said.
Ruslin further emphasised the urgency of addressing the increasing prevalence of synthetic drug abuse.
“The increase in synthetic drug abuse cases also requires a more aggressive and innovative approach from our side,” he stated.
To that end, AADK is currently drafting an Anti-Drug Communication Plan aimed at disseminating accurate and up-to-date anti-drug messages, with the goal of assisting individuals affected by addiction and substance abuse.
On New Year’s eve, four individuals aged between 20 and 40 died at the Pinkfish Countdown festival in Sunway Lagoon, Subang Jaya. They had allegedly purchased ecstasy, which was suspected to have killed them.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil had instructed the Association of Live Event Organisers (Alife) to formally address their concerns about proposed security measures to Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
Meanwhile, Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said that on January 3 police had suspended permits for concerts in the state.
Concert organisers, he said, have a responsibility to assure authorities that they can prevent drugs from being smuggled into their event venue. – January 14, 2025