Sold Out In Seconds : The Rise of Scalpers in Malaysia

Source : IStock

If you've ever tried to buy tickets for a big concert in Malaysia, you probably know the frustration all too well. Tickets sell out in minutes, and before you can even hit refresh, they are already being resold online for double or even triple the original price. This is not a new problem for all, but it seems to be getting worse in Malaysia. Scalpers, who buy up a ton of tickets to resell at inflated prices, have turned the excitement of going to concerts into a costly gamble. Why does this happen? When popular artists announce a concert, the demand for tickets often far exceeds the supply. Scalpers exploit this by using automated software or multiple accounts to grab tickets in bulk as soon as they go on sale. Fans who are patiently waiting in line online are left disappointed and have to shell out crazy amounts of money if they still want to attend. For instance, when Coldplay announced their show in Kuala Lumpur, tickets were gone in just a few hours, only to appear on resale sites and social media for more than double the original price. Most fans were outraged, not just because they missed out, but because it felt unfair and exploitative. Who’s at fault? While it is easy to point fingers at the scalpers, the issue is more complex. Weak enforcement, a lack of strong anti-scalping laws, and ticketing systems that could not stop bots all contribute to the problem. Organizers and platforms do try to limit the number of tickets each buyer can purchase, but determined scalpers find ways around these restrictions. In some countries, like Australia and the UK, laws prevent selling tickets for more than their face value and impose heavy fines for violations. Unfortunately, in Malaysia, the laws are less clear, and enforcement is inconsistent.

How It Impact True Fans For passionate fans, particularly students or young adults with limited budgets, scalping turns live music into a luxury that only a few can enjoy. Instead of being able to see their favorite artists perform in their own country, many feel stressed, disappointed, and priced out. This situation also alters the vibe of the concert. Rather than having enthusiastic fans filling the venue, sometimes tickets end up with individuals who bought them just to resell or who do not even show up if they could not sell them. So What’s The Fix? To tackle this issue, we need more regulations and improved technology. Some potential solutions include: 1) Verified fan sales that require preregistration 2) Personalized tickets tied to ID 3) Harsh penalties for scalpers and sites that enable inflated resale prices 4) Most importantly : Avoid buying tickets from scalpers Ultimately, everyone desires the same thing, which is to enjoy live music without feeling cheated. Concerts should be about bringing people together, not forcing fans into a twisted competition with scalpers. Until real change happens, Malaysian fans might have to keep playing this frustrating game, but hopefully, with increased awareness and public pressure, things will start to improve for the better.

The Uncommon Breed

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