Why concertgoers in Malaysian state may have to undergo urinalysis – Firstpost

The state of Malaysia wants to test the urine of concertgoers.

The state of Selangor made the offer after four people died and three others were hospitalized after attending a concert in the city of Subang Jaya.

But what happened? And why is the government pushing this idea?

Let’s take a closer look:

According to The Independent, development takes place after a tragic incident at a New Year’s performance.

After seven people initially fell unconscious at a Pinkfish concert in Subang Jaya, four of them have died.

Authorities believe that these individuals took ecstasy pills at the concert.

According to cna, Videos on social networks show people fainting at a concert and being taken away.

Two men and two women aged between 20 and 40 died, police said.

Star Selangor police chief Hussain Omar Khan was quoted as saying that the initial investigation showed that they all did it.

“We believe there were individuals selling drugs at the concert,” Hussain said. “We are in the midst of identifying drug dealers.”

According to CNApolice said final toxicology reports are still pending.

At the same time, two of the other three victims remain in the intensive care unit of the hospital, and the last one has been discharged.

According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), ecstasy is a stimulant and hallucinogen.

Commonly known as the party drug, it is also called MDMA and Molly.

It can be used in the form of tablets or powder.

It is said to have an “energetic” effect that can “distort” users’ concept of time and perception.

The drug can increase motor activity, alertness, heart rate and blood pressure.

It can also cause muscle tension and tremors, teeth grinding, nausea, sweating and euphoria. The person experiences strong empathy, reduced inhibition, chills, and blurred vision, along with varying degrees of confusion, anxiety, depression, and paranoia. Severe dehydration, trouble sleeping, and drug cravings are other common side effects.

The DEA states that an overdose of MDMA can “interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature,” which can sometimes lead to a “dramatic increase” in body temperature (hyperthermia).

This can lead to liver, kidney or cardiovascular failure, brain swelling and even death.

The Independent cites authorities as saying they are investigating whether drugs were obtained at the concert or before the event.

They reported that they are checking the organizers of the concert in this regard.

The government has said it will back the idea of ​​urine testing concertgoers to avoid a repeat of a similar incident.

“We want to strengthen the SOP and see how we can work with the police and local authorities because when licenses or permits are issued, we want to make sure that the organizers are thoroughly checked, especially for drugs,” Datuk Ng Sui Lim. , chairman of the Committee on Local Self-Government and Tourism, quotes the words. “So from now on we may need to do urinalysis as part of SOP for visitors.”

According to The Independentthe police have already temporarily suspended all permits for concerts in the state of Selangor.

The newspaper quoted concert organizers as saying that all appropriate security measures were in place, including 100 police officers, K9 units and trained personnel.

The Pinkfish concert gathered about 16,000 visitors.

“The safety and well-being of our visitors, staff and the surrounding community has always been our highest priority, and we are working closely with the relevant agencies to provide the necessary support to those affected, including the families of the victims,” ​​organizers wrote in the letter. Instagram posts.

“Unreal,” say the organizers and visitors of the concert

However, this proposal met with a furious reaction from the organizers and concertgoers.

Talking to Star, Shirazdin Abdul Karim, executive producer of Shiraz Projects, called the idea “unrealistic”.

Shirazdin, who brought Canadian band Simple Plan and British singer Bruno Major to Malaysia, said: “The government had better address the main problem, which is how the drugs got into the country.”

“Drugs are mostly kept at DJ shows, so there may be more stringent procedures,” he said.

Livescape Group Chief Executive Officer Iqbal Amir echoed Shirazdin’s views.

“Who will bear the costs of these revisions? Is it the police or the organizers?” Iqbal was surprised.

“I think the current security checks at concerts are enough; in fact, they are already causing long wait times for visitors. Adding new layers will not solve the drug problem,” he added

Kathryn Wong, a frequent concert-goer, added her concerns.

“We already have to stand in line before the concert. How early do we need to arrive for the screening and how soon can we get the results?”

“There will also be long queues in the toilets,” added the 28-year-old accountant.

Graphic designer Samuel Pang agreed.

“It is not fair for us to go through such tedious and impractical procedures because of the actions of a few reckless people,” said the 24-year-old.

With the help of agencies