PETALING JAYA: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has denied claims that Tourism Malaysia served food or alcoholic beverages at a dinner held in conjunction with the Global Travel Meet.
He clarified that the dinner was organised by private sector partners to celebrate Malaysia’s first global travel event of its kind, and that Tourism Malaysia’s role was limited to organising the main meet, which generated an estimated economic impact of RM420mil.
“The dinner in question was a private initiative by the industry. Tourism Malaysia only took the opportunity to launch the Visit Malaysia 2026 events calendar during the occasion,” he said in a statement on Monday (Oct 6).
Tiong was responding to a Facebook post by Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, who questioned why alcoholic beverages were served at what she claimed was a government event, saying it went against Malaysia’s cultural and constitutional norms.
He said it was misleading to suggest the dinner was a government-organised function, adding that informal industry gatherings should not be linked to constitutional or religious matters.
“Issuing statements without understanding the facts is not only misleading but also reflects ignorance.
“If such trivial issues continue to be blown out of proportion, they will only create unnecessary doubt and undermine international confidence in Malaysia. Ultimately, who will dare to visit our country?” he said.
Tiong said differing opinions were acceptable but warned against actions that could “border on sabotage” and undermine initiatives aimed at strengthening the tourism industry.
He also urged Mas Ermieyati to focus on efforts to boost tourism and Malaysia’s global image.
“As an elected representative, YB Masjid Tanah should also help promote tourism in the areas she represents,” he added.
