TOURISM, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has dismissed as unfounded allegations that Muslim guests walked out of a tourism dinner due to the presence of alcoholic beverages, asserting that the event in question was not under the purview of Tourism Malaysia.
The claims, made by Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, were “completely baseless and misleading”, Tiong said, clarifying that the dinner was hosted by private sector participants involved in the Global Travel Meet — not Tourism Malaysia.
“Tourism Malaysia was only responsible for organising the two-and-a-half-day Global Travel Meet, which generated an estimated RM420 million in economic impact,” he said in a statement published via Facebook.
“The dinner referred to was actually an initiative by private sector industry players. They were enthusiastic about Malaysia’s hosting of this global event and took the initiative to sponsor and entertain their international guests,” he added.
Tiong expressed disappointment that the opposition MP had chosen to “undermine a positive effort” aimed at promoting Malaysia as a global tourism destination.
“If she does not share the same enthusiasm, that is her choice. But to sabotage a good initiative that contributes to the nation’s image and economy is regrettable,” he said.
Dinner was a non-official event
Tiong was unequivocal in distancing his ministry from any organisational role in the dinner, saying that Tourism Malaysia’s involvement was confined to facilitating the main conference and launching the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) Calendar of Events.
“Our role was limited to coordinating cultural and artistic performances and launching the VM2026 Calendar, which includes 318 events across all Malaysian states,” he said.
He stressed that Tourism Malaysia had no involvement in the menu or beverage offerings at the dinner, adding that non-alcoholic drinks had been made widely available for Muslim and international guests.
“The dinner was a non-official event,” Tiong said, cautioning against dragging constitutional matters into the issue. “To invoke the Federal Constitution in this context is misleading and inappropriate.”
Irresponsible statements erode public confidence
The minister also warned that issuing “baseless and slanderous” claims not only confuses the public but undermines Malaysia’s international credibility.
“Statements made without verifying the facts only demonstrate ignorance and cause unnecessary confusion,” he said. “Such actions benefit no one and damage Malaysia’s image abroad.”
Tiong urged Mas Ermieyati to focus instead on constructive efforts that support the national economy, particularly through the tourism sector, which he described as a vital driver of employment and foreign exchange.
“Through Visit Malaysia 2026, we aim to elevate our international profile. As an elected representative, she too bears responsibility in helping promote tourism within her own state and constituency,” he said.
Tiong concluded by reaffirming his ministry’s commitment to upholding Malaysia’s cultural and religious sensitivities, and said it would not allow “any distortion of facts” to go unchallenged. -October 5, 2025
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