Govt mulls legislation against ticket touts

The government is mulling enacting a new law to prevent and act against ticket touts.

In a joint press conference today, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Salahuddin Ayub and Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said both their ministries are studying various aspects before mooting the law.

"I have spoken with Salahuddin and at the time being, we don't have legislation that can deal with ticket touts.

"Therefore, we will be discussing with other ministries as well, to see whether there needs to be a law to prevent instances of 'scalping' or ticket touts in future events or concerts," Fahmi (above, right) told a press conference in Parliament today.

Last week, Fahmi dubbed the selling of Coldplay concert tickets at exorbitant prices as “excessive”.

This after an alleged advertisement of a "Cat 1" ticket, originally priced at RM1,288, being resold for RM43,200 for the British band's concert scheduled in November.

Salahuddin's ministry had also previously urged consumers to lodge a complaint if they feel there is an element of fraud in the sale of the concert tickets.

Elaborating, Fahmi said the proposed legislation will cover all aspects involving mass ticket purchases.

"We take note from several other countries like the US and Australia that have experienced similar issues and enacted laws to prevent them.

"We will see if the laws were successful and gauge their suitability (to be implemented) here," he added.

[More to follow] - Mkini