KUALA LUMPUR: Persatuan Karyawan Malaysia (Karyawan) president, Datuk Freddie Fernandez, has called for stricter event guidelines following the deaths of four people after attending the Pinkfish Countdown concert at Sunway Lagoon in Petaling Jaya, Selangor on Dec 31.
He also urged concertgoers to exercise better judgment and avoid illicit activities such as drug abuse.
"In 2014, six lives were lost at the Future Music Festival Asia due to synthetic drug use.
"Afterward, policies were introduced, including limiting EDM concerts to enclosed venues for better control," he said in a statement today.
"Unfortunately, such incidents have reoccurred. Open venues, which are harder to manage, pose significant risks.
"Losing lives to drug abuse during music events not only causes heartbreak but also damages the concert industry – a vital ecosystem for music practitioners," he added.
Freddie warned concertgoers about suspicious substances that may be experimental synthetic drugs. "Attendees can unknowingly become test subjects for irresponsible parties trying new formulas," he cautioned.
He also acknowledged the challenges faced by authorities, even with extensive policing.
The emergence of discreet synthetic drugs – disguised in juices, pills, paper strips, or vapes – makes detection difficult, especially in large, crowded open areas.
Freddie urged stronger collaboration between agencies like the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) and event organisers.
Suggestions included awareness campaigns and exhibition booths at concerts, as well as incorporating a "Music Without Drugs" tagline on promotional materials to remind youths of responsible enjoyment.
He also explained that music should not be blamed and that it could be enjoyed without drug use.
"How can a professional career like music, which is taught in universities worldwide, be labeled as hedonistic culture simply because of the actions of a few?
"Enjoy entertainment healthily, like engaging in sports.
"You can sing and dance happily without drugs or intoxication," he said.
It was reported that the Pinkfish New Year's Eve event, attended by over 14,000, resulted in four deaths and three hospitalisations.
Selangor police have suspended concert permits, while the state government plans to review guidelines to curb drug-related fatalities.
Police have recorded statements from 15 individuals linked to the deceased.