From May 1 to May 4, the Water Musical Festival will be held at Bukit Bintang in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026.
The announcement was made by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, who said it will be held alongside Tourism Labour Day celebrations and several roads in the area will be closed off.
PAS mounts protest
However, the announcement didn’t sit well with PAS, with its Selangor youth chief Mohamed Sukri Omar releasing a lengthy statement on why the event should be cancelled.
He started off by saying that Bukit Bintang is a major business and public transit hub, and that closing major roads in the area for days will affect urban movement, small businesses, public safety and comfort, especially for families and elderly people.
Sukri added that having open-air festivals and large-scale street entertainment which allows free mixing in a party-like atmosphere must be evaluated from the perspective of values, decorum, local cultural sensitivities, and social harmony.
He also argued that having such events in a congested area also exposes the public to multiple risks such overcrowding, injuries, vandalism, pollution, and moral disturbances.
“Tourism should not be viewed solely through the lens of entertainment, but it must be grounded in sustainability, community wellbeing, and the country’s image,” he wrote.
‘Please reconsider’
Sukri reiterated that his statement wasn’t a rejection of the government’s tourism efforts, but merely an appeal to organise events that aligns with the goal of highlighting cultural identity, heritage, and celebrations rooted in local values.
“I urge MOTAC and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to reassess the Water Musical Festival in terms of location, scale, and event format, as well as conduct engagement sessions with residents, traders, and local stakeholders.
“Malaysia’s greatest strength in the eyes of tourists does not lie in street parties or uncontrolled entertainment, but lies in its culture, manners, heritage, and Eastern identity that shape the nation’s character.”
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