SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan state government was not involved in Neon Countdown 2018 programme held at a resort in Port Dickson on Monday night.
State Youth and Sports Development Committee chairman Mohamad Taufek Abd Ghani said it did not organise any New Year celebrations this year to avoid any untoward incidents.
“Every time the New Year and Merdeka Day arrive, we are aware that some states will hold a massive celebration to commemorate the historical events.
“But the state government was not involved in this year’s celebration because we were not ready and wanted to avoid any unhealthy outcome.
“This kind of celebration is nothing new. So even though the state government is not involved, some private companies would take the initiative to organise the celebration,” he said here.
Mohamad Taufek said private companies involved in organising the event should be more responsible by applying for permit from the local authorities.
“According to the rules set by the municipal council, the organisers should apply for permission if the event involves a gathering of more than five people. It is a must.
“If the organiser failed to get the approval, then the gathering is definitely illegal,” he said when asked to comment on the controversial issue surrounding the Neon Countdown 2018 programme after five people were arrested by police, believed to be involved with drugs during the programme.
The Port Dickson Municipal Council (MPPD) had also imposed a compound of RM2,500 against the organiser for organising the program without permit.
Earlier, the programme had also received resistance from residents and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for allegedly contravening the local culture that could cause moral problems.
Asked to comment on the arrests of individuals who were allegedly involved with drug abuse during the programme, Mohamad Taufek said he would let the police to conduct a thorough investigation on the matter.