Future Music Festival Asia cancelled after drug overdose deaths, say organisers
PETALING JAYA – The Future Music Festival Asia (FMFA) has been cancelled after five people died of drug overdose yesterday (March 14), organisers said.
PETALING JAYA – The Future Music Festival Asia (FMFA) has been cancelled after five people died of drug overdose yesterday (March 14), organisers said.
“In the interest of public safety, we have heeded the authority’s advice to not proceed with Day-3 of Future Music Festival Asia 2014,” the organisers said in a statement its Facebook page.
“This is also to help in the on-going investigation. We appreciate the understanding of all parties and will share updates on this matter as soon as possible.”
City police chief Senior Deputy Commissioner Datuk Mohmad Salleh said nine people collapsed during yesterday’s event after consuming drugs at around 1.30am.
One person died on the spot in Bukit Jalil while another died on the way to the hospital. Three others died at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC ) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Hospital (HUKM). The five people, all Malaysians, were between 21 and 28 years of age.
Another four people, two of whom are in a coma, are in critical condition at both hospitals, said police.
The organisers said they had filed a police report and are working with the relevant authorities.
Police have already closed the roads leading to Stadium Bukit Jalil and have sealed off some parts of the venue to prevent concertgoers from entering the festival grounds.
Major international acts like DJs Martin Garrix and Bassjackers had tweeted pictures of themselves making their way to the venue only to announce that their sets might be cancelled.
Hundreds of people were seen waiting at the festival entrance, unsure if they will be let in.
Also meant to perform today are music A-listers like Pharrell Williams, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Rudimental.
Now in its third year, FMFA has been dubbed the largest music festival in Southeast Asia with an estimate of 85,000 attendees from across the region based on the tickets sold.
The organisers said details of refunds will be announced within one week and that ticket buyers are urged to logon to www.futuremusicfestival.asia for updates. AGENCIES
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