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.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-gala-dinner-alcohol-tourism-anwar-warning-tiong-king-sing-ministry-5388216