Future Music Festival Asia cancels third day after reported deaths, releases official statementFMFA1

Future Music Festival Asia cancels third day after reported deaths, releases official statement

The latest tragedy in the recent spat of drug-related festival deaths has forced Future Music Festival Asia to cancel its third and final day. After initial reports that five fans had died during the event, FMFA released an official statement that addressed the news and canceled the festival’s third day. According to the FMFA statement, one person died on the grounds on March 14th and police and paramedics are currently investigating the cause.

As a follow up to fan backlash, namely from those who traveled great distances to attend the event, Future Music Festival Asia released a follow up statement on March 16th, detailing the specifics of their safety and security protocols. The second official statement pluralized “loss of lives” but did not detail specific numbers, possibly insinuating that more than one person died over the course of the event.

Ticket refund information is available at www.futuremusicfestival.asia.

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FUTURE MUSIC FESTIVAL ASIA – OFFICIAL STATEMENT – 15 MARCH 2014

This statement is in response to news reported in the media on the 5 alleged deaths associated with FMFA last night. As the health and safety of all festival goers are our primary concern, we have lodged an investigation into the media reports. As at 5.00PM on March 15, we can confirm that one death, and not five, took place on festival grounds on March 14. A police report has been filed and we are working very closely with all relevant authorities in examining and determining the cause of this very unfortunate incident.

FMFA underwent regular meetings with all agencies involved in the festival (including the Royal Malaysia Police, The Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, Bukit Jalil National stadium, Millennium Patriot Security, Jabatan Sukarelawan Malaysia (RELA) and our certified on-site medical doctor and paramedics) prior to and during the event.

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. 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.

Details of refunds will be announced within one week. Ticket buyers are urged to logon to www.futuremusicfestival.asia for refund details.

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FUTURE MUSIC FESTIVAL ASIA – MEDIA STATEMENT – 16 MARCH 2014

KUALA LUMPUR:

With regard to the recent Future Music Festival Asia event that took place at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium showgrounds on Friday, 14th March, Livescape Asia and Future Music would like to make the following statement.
The organizers of the festival are deeply saddened by the reported loss of lives on Friday 14th March. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those affected. The health and safety of our patrons is of upmost importance to us and we are extremely devastated that circumstances such as these occurred despite the significant planning and resources in place.
In the words of ACP Tuan Mohan Singh, District Police Chief, IPD Cheras, “Police worked closely with event organizers, security, Bukit Jalil Stadium and a number of other government agencies in the planning process. A high visibility police operation featuring over 100 police members was in place to work across crowd control and drug detection activities.
ACP Tuan Mohan Singh further stated, “We recognize the efforts of the organizers in putting in place preventative health and safety measures at the event. They have cooperated fully with the Police on both days to create a safe environment for the public. What happened at the event is unfortunate and we remind all members of the public of the immense dangers associated with the use of illegal substances”.

The organizers spent countless hours in planning the event which include the following:

PLANNING
The organizers of Future Music Festival Asia conducted several planning meetings with key authorities and stakeholders including;
• Bukit Jalil National Stadium
• Royal Malaysia Police
• Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia
• Jabatan Sukarelawan Malaysia (RELA)
• On site certified medical doctor and paramedics
• Millennium Patriot Security
The organizers together with key authorities and stakeholders developed several strategies including operational plans addressing patron safety and management, local amenity, traffic management, security and emergency medical procedures.
The venue was equipped with an Event Operations Centre, which was in constant communication with the relevant authorities and stakeholders.

ON SITE MEDICAL ARRANGEMENTS
The organizers had extensive medical facilities on site.
The site was equipped with:
– 3 x Marked Medical Posts (2 x Paramedics per post)
– 1 x Onsite Emergency Trauma Centre
The Onsite Emergency Trauma Centre was staffed by:
• 2 x Medical commanders (certified doctors onsite)
• 14 x Paramedics
• 10 x Nurses
• 7 x Ambulances (staffed with 2 paramedics per ambulance)
• 12 x Roaming paramedics
In addition to the above, water dispensers were set up at all medical tents and free water was provided at front of stage barriers. Misting fans were also available around the festival grounds to cool down patrons.

SECURITY
A Security Risk Assessment and Management Plan were developed for all the festival.
Staffing comprised of:
• 280 security staff were deployed at the event
• 80 RELA members

POLICE
The Royal Malaysia Police had two mobile police stations set up at each of the entrances to the festival (one on each of the two entrances). Three police beat bases were setup around key areas. In addition, there were 100 police officers on patrol focusing on:
– Crowd Control
– Traffic and Perimeter Control
– Drug Detection

The organizers are overwhelmed with sadness at this time. We thank ticket holders for their patience and understanding in regards to the cancellation of Day 3.
Ticket refund information will be available at www.futuremusicfestival.asia.

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