On Malaysia Day, authorities in Johor Baru apprehend 14 people for partying with drugs and drink

Due to Covid-19 limitations, many Malaysians celebrated Malaysia Day discreetly, but a group of 14 people were detained here for celebrating the national holiday with a drug and drink party.

The partygoers, aged 20 to 41, were apprehended at 2.30 a.m. following a surprise police raid at a residence in Taman Perling.

The raiding team also discovered numerous alcoholic beverages, as well as marijuana, ketamine, and ecstasy, according to Johor Baru North district police commander Assistant Commissioner Rupiah Abd Wahid.

Initial investigations found that the party began at 10 p.m. and that the residence was particularly hired for RM2,000 per day by a man who served as the event's organiser.

Five males, including the 41-year-old organiser, tested positive for methamphetamine addiction, according to urine test findings, Rupiah said in a statement.

Police also seized all electronic music equipment used at the gathering, according to her.

For breaking the standard operating procedures (SOP) under Phase One of the National Recovery Plan, she said the party organiser was fined RM2,000 and the remainder of the partygoers were fined RM1,500 each (NRP).

The suspects are in police custody, according to Rupiah, after the Johor Baru Magistrate's Court granted their remand for four days to aid investigations.

“The case is being investigated under Section 6 (2) of the Entertainment and Places of Entertainment Enactment, which carries a fine of not more than RM2,000 or a year in prison or both if convicted,” she said.