TOURISM, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has expressed regret over the confusion and misunderstanding surrounding allegations that alcohol was served at a recent dinner involving international tourism industry players.
Responding during the Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, Tiong emphasised that the event in question was not an official government function.
“We take public sentiment on this issue very seriously. The inconvenience and confusion caused are deeply regretted,” he said.
The minister’s remarks come amid public debate after images circulated on social media, allegedly showing alcoholic beverages being served during the event.
The dinner was part of efforts to engage foreign partners in the tourism sector, but has since sparked criticism from various quarters, particularly given sensitivities around alcohol consumption.
Tiong reiterated that while the government is committed to supporting the tourism industry, care will be taken to ensure future engagements do not give rise to similar misunderstandings. - October 9, 2025
