Malaysia Tourism Minister sorry for alcohol served at Global Travel gala

To serve or not to serve alcohol?

The fact that alcohol was served did however not go unnoticed. It triggered sharp criticism from opposition parties in the predominantly Muslim nation. Some voices even asked for Malaysia’s Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing to be dismissed from his functions.

The polemics went to the point that Tiong had to finally apologize for the incident. During a session in Parliament just a week after the event, Tiong admitted fault and said he regretted the confusion surrounding the event, which appeared to have official government backing. “ I, together with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac), deeply regret any confusion or misunderstanding that caused discomfort among the public,” he admitted during a Parliament questions’ session . “I should have clarified that the gala dinner had become a private function. I admit my mistake for not announcing earlier that it was not an official government program.”

The controversy erupted after photos circulated online showing the Tourism Malaysia logo displayed at the gala, where guests were served alcohol. Tiong explained that the event was initially organized by Tourism Malaysia but was later taken over by private sector partners in early October. Invitations, however, still carried official government branding, which he said contributed to the misunderstanding. “By the time the gala was held, it was fully under the private sector’s management. The Service Circular 3/2003 — which prohibits alcohol at official government events — did not apply,” Tiong justified.

He emphasized that in past ministry-led events, alcohol had not been served, citing a Visit Malaysia 2026 launch in Melaka as an example.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim publicly reprimanded the ministry earlier this week, calling the incident “inappropriate” and urging government agencies to observe stricter standards at official or co-branded events.

Tourism trade associations stepped in

In response, Tiong said Motac welcomed constructive criticism and would ensure future engagements strictly comply with government protocol.

Meanwhile, three major tourism trade associations — the Malaysian Indian Travel & Tours Association, the Malaysian Inbound Chinese Association, and the Malaysia My 2nd Home Consultants Association — issued a joint statement apologizing to Tiong.

They said the gala dinner was organized and funded entirely by private industry players, not the government.

The groups also expressed regret that the incident had caused public confusion, emphasizing that the event aimed to promote Malaysia’s tourism industry globally, not to offend local sensitivities.

However, the controversy highlights the difficulty that Malaysia has to embrace fully its desire of being a global tourism destination to all. The country still seems to search for the right path between promoting itself as an international tourism destination and maintaining adherence to domestic cultural and religious norms. While such surging polemics are capable to tarnish the country’s positive image…