PENANG TO CRACK DOWN ON NIGHTSPOTS TO CHECK ECSTASY USE

PENANG: Police will soon launch a major crackdown against the 157
entertaintment outlets in the state to check the use and trafficking of
Ecstasy pills in such places.

State Local Government, Traffic Management and Environment Committee
chairman Dr Teng Hock Nan said the state would co-ordinate with the police
to carry out enforcement.

"Checks have found that 61 of the outlets comprising karaoke lounges and
pubs are operating without licences and these outlets would be our main
targets.

"The state and police are committed to check and control this social
problem from affecting more youths,'' he said, adding that in the first six
months of the year, police rounded up 2,897 people after raiding 65
nightspots.

He said court action was taken against 136 people who were found to be
taking and selling Ecstasy, heroin and cannabis.

"The district office will not hesitate to close down any nightspots which
do not adhere to the conditions in their licences.

"Under the new enactment to the Places of Public Entertainment Enactment
1998, the district office is empowered to seize audio equipment and take
the operator to court.''

Dr Teng, who was speaking to reporters after chairing a meeting with the
police and district office, said the state viewed the matter seriously as
entertainment outlets had become the main source to buy Ecstasy.