Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing has dismissed what he described as “false and baseless” allegations circulating on social media regarding two upcoming events in Kuala Lumpur.
He clarified that the World Labour Day celebration and the Rain Rave Water Music Festival, scheduled to take place in Bukit Bintang from April 30 to May 2, are annual programmes that form part of preparations for the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
Tiong said the events are designed to boost economic activity in the capital and support local tourism, stressing that similar large-scale festivals in other countries, such as Thailand’s Songkran celebration, have successfully attracted international visitors and generated significant revenue.
He added that claims spreading on Threads were misleading and appeared to be deliberately intended to create confusion about the purpose and nature of the events.
According to him, both programmes will be conducted on a moderate scale, with participation entirely voluntary. He emphasised that individuals who do not wish to take part are not required to do so.
Tiong also refuted viral allegations that participants of the water music festival were instructed to wear swimsuits or revealing attire, calling such claims untrue and irresponsible.
He further urged the public not to politicise or racialise the issue, saying such narratives could harm social harmony and distort public understanding.
The minister also highlighted that events of this nature can benefit small and micro entrepreneurs, particularly those from the B40 group, by creating additional income opportunities through increased foot traffic and tourism spending.
Earlier in January, Selangor PAS Youth had called on the ministry to reconsider the location and format of the water music festival, arguing that major events should better reflect local cultural identity rather than replicate foreign-style street festivals.
