PAS Flags “Cultural And Safety Concerns” Over Bukit Bintang Water Festival

PAS has called on the government to cancel the upcoming KL Water Musical Festival, arguing that it clashes with “local sensitivities.”

Scheduled to run from 1 May to 4 May in Bukit Bintang, the festival is part of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.

Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing announced that the event will coincide with Labour Day tourism celebrations, with several roads in the Bukit Bintang area set to be closed during the festival period.

The announcement, however, drew criticism from PAS. Selangor PAS Youth chief Mohamed Sukri Omar issued a statement outlining why he believes the festival should not go ahead.

He pointed out that Bukit Bintang is a key commercial district and public transport hub, warning that prolonged road closures would disrupt traffic flow, affect small businesses, and raise concerns around public safety and comfort, particularly for families and senior citizens.

Sukri also questioned the suitability of hosting open air festivals and large-scale street entertainment that encourages free mixing in a party-style environment. He said such events should be assessed through the lens of values, public decorum, cultural sensitivity, and social harmony.

According to him, organising a major festival in an already congested area also increases risks such as overcrowding, injuries, vandalism, pollution, and what he described as moral disturbances.

“Tourism should not be viewed purely as entertainment,” Sukri wrote, adding that it should prioritise sustainability, community wellbeing, and the country’s image.

Clarifying his stance, Sukri stressed that his remarks were not meant to oppose the government’s tourism initiatives. Instead, he said it was a call to ensure events reflect Malaysia’s cultural identity, heritage, and values.

He urged the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture and Kuala Lumpur City Hall to review the festival’s location, scale, and format, and to engage with residents, traders, and local stakeholders before proceeding.

He concluded by saying that Malaysia’s appeal to tourists lies not in street parties or unregulated entertainment, but in its culture, manners, heritage, and Eastern values that define the nation’s character.