Malaysian authorities shut down dance music event

KUALA LUMPUR — Thirst 2015, a dance event scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur tonight (April 25), has been cancelled following instructions from the authorities, its organiser Future Sound Asia announced today.

The company did not reveal the reasons behind the cancellation apart from that it was “obliged” to obey the decision of the authorities despite having obtained the necessary prior approvals.

“Despite all efforts taken to make sure it is a suitable and safe environment for everyone, the authorities have decided to cancel the event and we are obliged to follow their decision.

“We were all looking forward to this great music event. Unfortunately the universe is not on our side this time, despite having worked closely with all relevant bodies and agencies to secure the necessary regulatory compliance,” the organiser said.

Mr Ethan Wong, one of the event’s coordinator, declined to comment on the matter when contacted.

Future Sound Asia said it had spent the last one year organising Thirst 2015, along with its partners and international experts, to put together a full-fledged security, safety, issue and communication plan, in order to provide dance music lovers a safe and secure platform to share their passion and come together.

“We are extremely upset at this outcome.

“We want to extend our most heartfelt apologies to all those who are holding tickets for the event. We would like to ask for your patience as we work on the mechanics of the ticket refund process. Details will be announced in 72 hours.”

Two years ago, another international music festival held in Malaysia, the Future Music Festival Asia, was forced to pull the plug on the third day of the event after six people died of a drug overdose while another 16 people were hospitalised for drug-related reasons.

The organiser, Livescape, was also banned from holding the event in Singapore earlier this year. MALAY MAIL ONLINE