Malaysia Implements New SOPs for Concerts — Including K9 Units and Hydration Stations!

In a concerted effort to curb drug use and enhance safety at music events, particularly electronic dance music (EDM) festivals, Malaysia's Ministry of Youth and Sports has unveiled a fresh set of guidelines aimed at fostering a safer and drug-free environment for young people.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh revealed the new standard operating procedures (SOPs), introduced in partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Health. The initiative forms part of a broader commitment to tackling drug abuse while ensuring the wellbeing of concertgoers.

Here’s what event organisers must now adhere to:

• Ample hydration stations to help prevent heat-related illnesses

• A dedicated medical team onsite for immediate response to any emergencies

• Prominent anti-drug messaging through visuals like posters, trailers, and informational videos

• Advance notice given to nearby hospitals, enabling quicker response in the event of an incident

• Deployment of K9 units to strengthen venue security and assist with crowd control

These rules are now mandatory for any concerts held at venues under the ministry’s purview, including Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia sites and the Sepang International Circuit.

Speaking at the “Drug-Free Youth” campaign at Bukit Jalil Stadium on 20 April, Yeoh also announced that all ministry-managed venues will now regularly update the Royal Malaysia Police and the National Anti-Drug Agency with their concert schedules to ensure close monitoring and compliance.

While these SOPs are currently required only at government-owned locations, the minister strongly encouraged private venue operators to adopt the same safety measures.

“This isn’t just about rules—it’s about protecting lives and creating a space where young people can enjoy music safely,” Yeoh said.

The move comes in the wake of several tragic incidents at past music festivals in Malaysia. In 2014, six people died and several others were hospitalised due to suspected drug overdoses at the Future Music Festival Asia (FMFA) in Bukit Jalil, leading to the event’s abrupt cancellation. In the years following, similar concerns were raised over the availability of illicit substances and lack of emergency support at large-scale music gatherings.

With these new SOPs in place, authorities hope to prevent such tragedies from repeating and to promote a healthier, more responsible concert culture in Malaysia.