Malaysia PM Anwar warns tourism minister Tiong King Sing, ministry over alcohol served at gala dinner
Even if alcohol was served after the official programme had ended, it was still “entirely inappropriate”, the prime minister says.
Malaysia's Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing (in blue and yellow shirt) at the Global Travel Meet gala dinner. (Photo: Facebook/Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association)
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has warned Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing and his ministry that the “mistake” of serving alcohol at an official government event must not be repeated.
Alcohol was served at a gala dinner on Oct 1 held in conjunction with government agency Tourism Malaysia’s Global Travel Meet event, which was aimed at promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourist destination ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.
Anwar said on Tuesday (Oct 7) the tourism ministry explained that alcohol was only served after the official programme had ended. “But it was still within the same venue and part of the same event,” he noted.
This was unacceptable as the government has a firm policy against serving alcohol at official functions, without exception, Anwar said.
“We have issued a stern warning to the minister and the ministry. This mistake must not be repeated. Regardless of the explanation that the programme had concluded, it is still entirely inappropriate,” he added.
Speaking to media outlets Bernama and RTM after seeing off visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammmad Shehbaz Sharif at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s Bunga Raya Complex, Anwar also issued the same message to all government leaders and agencies.
“I want to remind all members of the Cabinet and the entire government machinery that there is no room for negligence on this issue,” he said, as reported by Bernama.
Following the warning, the tourism ministry pledged on Tuesday to tighten monitoring and compliance with event guidelines and ethical standards. It said it “sincerely regrets any confusion or misunderstanding that may have caused discomfort among Malaysians”.
The ministry said in a statement it takes the incident as a “valuable lesson” and is committed to ensuring the occurrence is not repeated.
Photos have spread online in recent days of Tiong and other guests holding glasses of wine and beer at the dinner at Sunway Resort.
Politicians including United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) Youth chief Muhammad Akmal Saleh and Masjid Tanah Member of Parliament Mas Ermieyati Samsudin of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia criticised the tourism ministry for allowing alcohol to be served at the dinner and urged Anwar to dismiss Tiong, news outlet Malay Mail reported.
Amid the uproar, Tiong clarified on Sunday that Tourism Malaysia was not responsible for serving alcohol at the dinner. He said the private sector organised the catering and that it was not part of Tourism Malaysia’s official programme.
Tiong said the Global Travel Meet event generated an estimated RM420 million (US$100 million) in economic impact.
On Monday, the co-hosts of the dinner expressed regret and apologised to Tiong, news outlet The Star reported.
In a joint statement, the Malaysian Indian Travel & Tours Association, Malaysian Inbound Chinese Association and Malaysia My 2nd Home Consultants Association said they understood the sensitivities raised and wanted to convey their apologies to Tiong.
They reiterated the dinner was paid for by tourism industry players and not Tourism Malaysia.
“We urge that all irresponsible and misleading statements being disseminated on this matter cease immediately,” they said.
The associations also highlighted the performance of Malaysia’s tourism sector, with about 38 million visitor arrivals recorded in 2024 and more than 20 million arrivals clocked in the first half of this year.
“The tourism industry players will continue to work hand in hand with the Ministry and Tourism Malaysia to ensure Malaysia remains the preferred tourist destination,” they added.
