Rozaidi, better known as Zed Zaidi, said gaps in security screening must be addressed without stifling industry growth, as it plays a vital role in stimulating the domestic economy.
He said stakeholders, including authorities and event organisers, must come together and discuss improvements to existing concert guidelines.
“Malaysia can learn from other countries by adopting effective security measures without diminishing event appeal. These include technologies such as facial recognition scans and safety wristbands with basic health data.
“Besides that, real-time monitoring by authorities via closed-circuit television (CCTV) at event venues should be considered,” he told FMT.
Previously, communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said the government had no plans to compel concert goers to undergo urine tests but remains open to reviewing proposals and updating standard operating procedures as needed.
His remarks follow the drug-related deaths of four concertgoers at the Pinkfish event in Bandar Sunway on New Year’s Eve.
Rozaidi said organisers should enhance security by deploying more trained personnel to monitor and detect suspicious activity, alongside stricter screenings, including the use of sniffer dogs.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Artistes’ Association (Karyawan) president Freddie Fernandez said any updates to the guidelines should not result in restrictions or bans, particularly on electronic dance music (EDM) concerts.
Despite the high number of drug-related fatalities reported at EDM events, he believes these incidents can be managed through stricter entry controls and an adequate security presence.
“The public should be given the opportunity to see their idols. Banning concerts would impact a vast ecosystem, as they drive economic activity and create numerous job opportunities beyond the music industry.
“It would also harm Malaysia’s image, as some foreign tourists visit the country specifically for concerts,” Fernandez said, stressing the importance of a win-win approach.
He said his association will meet with the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) soon to develop a more comprehensive awareness campaign.