First police report lodged only after The 1975 left Malaysia, says deputy top cop

The police only received reports about the behaviour of British band The 1975 at the Festival Good Vibes 2023 in Sepang last Friday, after the group left the country for the UK, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay says.

He rejected claims that the police had been inefficient in handling the matter, saying the gorup had left for the UK less than six hours after the concert was stopped at 11.30pm on July 21.

"The first police report was received the next day at 2pm," he said at a media conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

He said the case was still being investigated under Sections 504 and 509 of the Penal Code as well as Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955. 

"The offence was for something committed in the country, so we cannot seek a red notice from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) unless it’s a major offence," he said when asked if the police would seek Interpol assistance.

Ayob Khan said the police had taken 13 statements so far, six from complainants, one from the organisers, and another six from the Central Committee for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes or Puspal.

"Police also received 18 reports, eight from the Selangor contingent and 10 from other contingents," he added.