Four die after NYE music festival in Malaysia

Four people have died after attending New Year’s Eve music festival Pinkfish Countdown 2024 in Selangor, Malaysia.

The victims – two men and two women aged between 20 and 40 – are suspected to have taken ecstasy, according to local police. Two other festivalgoers are also being treated in hospital, while another has been discharged.

Sudden death investigations have been opened with toxicology results still pending, according to Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan.

“From our preliminary investigation, it was found that all four [who died] attended the Pinkfish concert at Sunway Lagoon on the night of the incident and are believed to have taken ecstasy pills,” says Khan, as per Free Malaysia.

“Police have recorded statements from six witnesses, and several others will be called to assist in the investigation, including the concert organisers and the victims’ friends.”

The festival, which was curated by Hitman Solutions and Happy Moon, took place at Surf Beach, Sunway Lagoon, on 31 December. Top-billed acts included Sarah Landry, Showtek, Blasterjaxx, Cosmic Gate and Nifra.

“As the event organiser, we are fully committed to cooperating with the authorities to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident”

The team behind the event has expressed its condolences to the families and friends of the victims, and vowed to fully cooperate with the investigation, while noting the fatalities “occurred outside the event’s premises”.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident following Pinkfish Countdown 2024 which resulted in the loss of four lives,” says a statement from Pinkfish Management. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the four individuals during this difficult time.

“As the event organiser, we are fully committed to cooperating with the authorities to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident and took note of the Royal Malaysian Police’s (PDRM) confirmation that these deaths occurred outside the event’s premises.”

Promoters are also seeking to provide reassurance over their existing safety measures.

“The safety and well-being of our attendees, staff and surrounding community have always been our highest priority, and we are working closely with the relevant agencies to provide the necessary support to those impacted, included families of the deceased,” adds the statement.

“While we await the outcome of the full investigation into this incident, we wish to reassure the public that every precaution has been taken to ensure the safety of our events, including Pinkfish Countdown 2024. These measures include, among others, the presence of more than 100 police officers and the deployment of trained security personnel and K9 units at all entrance points.”

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