The Selangor government suggests implementing new standard operating procedures (SOP) for concerts, mandating urine tests for attendees to prevent drug abuse during concerts held in the state.
Datuk Huang Rui Lin, the Selangor state executive councilor in charge of local government and tourism affairs, stated that this proposal would be discussed in detail at the Selangor state executive council meeting this Wednesday.
He mentioned that other improvements to concert SOPs could include providing scanning equipment to effectively detect individuals attempting to bring illegal substances into the venue.
“We aim to strengthen the SOP and explore how to cooperate with the police and local authorities because when issuing licenses or permits, we want to ensure that organizers are genuinely conducting checks (especially for drugs).
“Therefore, in the future, audience urine tests might be included as one of the SOPs to ensure that drug abusers or users are not allowed into any concert venues.”
He made these remarks after officiating the Best Practices for Local Government Coordination and Standardization Seminar, regarding the state government reviewing concert guidelines to prevent drug abuse and fatal incidents from recurring.
When asked whether the delay in issuing concert permits would affect the Selangor Tourism Year 2025, Huang Rui Lin said it indeed impacts organizers who have invested in preparing for concerts.
He said, as of now, he is not aware of the number of concerts being postponed, but based on his understanding, a concert originally scheduled to be held in Sunway Town next week has been moved to Kuala Lumpur.
Last Friday, Selangor police announced the suspension of issuing any concert permits until the investigation into the death of four attendees at the Sunway PinkFish concert is completed.