After they attended the Pinkfish New Year’s Eve countdown festival at Sunway Lagoon’s artificial beach in Subang Jaya, Malaysia, four people died within a short time of each other. Police have reported that none of the victims have external injuries, but are awaiting the results from the laboratory to determine if any toxic substances were involved.

The Pinkfist festival released a statement that read, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident following Pinkfish Countdown 2024 which resulted in the loss of four lives. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the four individuals during this difficult time. As the event organizer, we are fully committed to cooperating with the authorities to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident, and took note of the Royal Malaysian Police’s confirmation that these deaths occurred outside the event’s premises.”

The deaths cast a huge shadow on the Malaysian festival scene, where the conservative authorities begrudgingly allow shows to happen. In 2023, The Good Vibes festival was abruptly canceled after two members of The 1975 engaged in a gay kiss, which is illegal in Malaysia. The organizer sought US$2.7 million from the band, which violated the terms of the contract and had repercussions on local artists and small businesses, whose lives depend on the festival for survival.