Music festival at Bukit Jalil axed after 5 deaths

Five people reportedly died during the second day of Future Music Festival Asia, due to methamphetamine overdose. Another 4 have been hospitalised.

The organisers of Future Music Festival Asia, Live Scape Sdn Bhd, have heeded calls made by the police to call off the last day of their 3-day event after it was reported that 5 people died last night.

The cancellation, according to Live Scape, was to help in the investigations into the matter.

The Star had quoted city police chief Senior Deputy Comm Datuk Mohmad Salleh as saying that 9 people collapsed during FMFA’s second day last night after consuming drugs at 1.30am.

The cause of the collapse, and subsequent deaths, was believed to be from methamphetamine overdose.

It was reported that 1 person died on the spot at the Bukit Jalil Sports Complex where the concert was being held while another died on the way to the hospital.

Another 3 people died at  University Malaya Medical Centre and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Hospital.

All were Malaysians aged between 21 and 28.

The other 4 people are still in critical condition, with 2 in a coma.

However, an official statement from the organisers said an investigation had been lodged into the media reports of the 5 deaths.

“As at 5.00PM on March 15, we can confirm that one death, and not five, took place on festival grounds on March 14,” the statement read.

It added that a police report has been filed and “they are working very closely with all relevant authorities in examining and determining the cause of this very unfortunate incident”.

Meanwhile, Mohmad said all of the 9 “tested positive for high levels of drugs and the deaths have been classified as overdose”.

Apart from that, Mohmad told The Star that throughout the 2 days of the concert so far, 22 were arrested for possession of narcotics.

With regards to ticket refunds, Live Scape said details would be announced within a week.

On the event’s website page, it was stated that “a high-visibility police operation will be in place at FMFA 2014, targeting anti-social behaviour, alcohol-related crime, and illegal drug use and supply”.

“CCTV coverage will also be used to enhance the safety of people attending the festival,” read the entry conditions.

FMFA is an annual music festival that tours Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth in Australia.

In 2012, Kuala Lumpur was added to its touring list.

@therakyatpos