“KTMB’s Image Must Be Defended”: PAS Slams Pinkfish Festival’s Chartered Train Party

By Aqasha Nalani  •  20 May 2024 in Events

Thirsty for JUICE content? Quench your cravings on our Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp

PAS recently expressed their displeasure with Pinkfish Festival’s first-anniversary celebration, which took place inside a Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) chartered train.

According to Pinkfish, the event, cleverly named the Pinkfish Express, was billed as Southeast Asia’s first festival train, taking place on Thursday, 16 May, with the train travelling around Kuala Lumpur.

To mark the special occasion, Pinkfish also uploaded several photos and videos of partygoers dancing in trains while DJs performed on their Instagram account.

While the vibes were off the roof, it wasn’t an easy ride in the end

According to Malaysiakini, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said in a statement on Sunday, 19 May, that the party violated Eastern cultural norms and did not embody the Rukun Negara or Malaysia Madani spirit.

“No matter what reason is given to justify this programme, such as to generate revenue, it is unacceptable and goes against the Malaysia Madani philosophy of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim,” he said.

He added that because KTMB was a government-linked company, the ministry should look into how an event that “promoted sin” could have been approved.

While Malaysians and Muslims were not forbidden from enjoying entertainment, Fadhli advised them to do so in moderation.

“KTMB’s image, as well as the cultural practice of moderation in entertainment uninfluenced by any Western country, must be defended in Malaysia, which has a diverse population.

“Moderation in entertainment is the key to progress,” he said.

JUICE has reached out to Pinkfish Festival for their comments but has yet to receive a reply.

Looking for some fun events to go to? Check out our recommendations here.