Previously, Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing announced that a Water Music Festival would be among the key events lined up in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026.

It is understood that the festival will begin on 1 May, 2026, and will run for three days.

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“The event will take place in Bukit Bintang, and certain roads in the area will be closed to accommodate the celebrations,” he said, as reported by The Star.

“It doesn't reflect the rich culture of Malaysia.”

The decision, however, has since garnered criticism from many Malaysians, who have called it a "waste of water" and said that it does not properly reflect the many cultures in Malaysia.

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Others have also raised concerns over the venue of the event, which they say seems unsuitable for water-based activities.

Image Credit: Threads

On top of that, Selangor PAS Youth has urged MOTAC and Kuala Lumpur City Hall to re-evaluate the event. Its chief, Sukri Omar, said that his objection was not to Visit Malaysia 2026 itself, but that major events should reflect Malaysia’s identity rather than copy foreign street parties that may not suit local norms.

Image Credit: The Star

“Successful tourism is not the loudest or flashiest, but that which is rooted in values, culture and a distinctly Malaysian identity. If identity is sacrificed, we lose not only our sense of self but also the uniqueness that draws the world to us,” he said, as reported by FMT.

Furthermore, Sukri said that Bukit Bintang is an ill-suited venue for such an event, citing that closing roads in the area for three days could significantly affect urban mobility, small business operations, public safety, and public comfort.

Featured Image Credit: Tourism Malaysia, Euronews