KUALA LUMPUR: The success of the KL Rain Rave Water Music Festival 2026 is proof that Malaysia continues to thrive as a united, diverse and tourism-friendly nation, says Nga Kor Ming (pic).
The Housing and Local Government Minister said the three-day event in Bukit Bintang here proved the country’s ability to host large-scale international festivals while upholding its multicultural identity.
He said the festival, which ended on Saturday, was an undisputed success that reflected Malaysia’s openness and inclusivity, noting that it attracted 80,000 participants from around the world and 200,000 online viewers, with total views reaching 50 million.
Nga said Malaysia’s well-known slogan “Malaysia Truly Asia” was not just about branding, but a reflection of daily life in the country.
“It is our culture and way of life. Diversity is our strength,” he reiterated.
Nga backed Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing’s remarks that those who disagreed with the event should opt out, pointing out that participation was a matter of personal choice.
“Just like what the Tourism Minister said, for those who wish to come, we welcome you. For those who disagree, it is your right to choose to stay at home. Simple as that,” he said.
Nga said respect among communities remained the foundation of national harmony in a country made up of 54 ethnic groups and races.
“Respect others as you wish to be respected. We are strong because we are together,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Artistes’ Association (Karyawan) defended the event, saying it should not be compared with government Hari Raya open houses due to the different purposes and economic roles.
Its president Freddie Fernandez said criticisms calling for the festival’s cancellation alongside austerity-driven debates were based on a misunderstanding of how international tourism events are structured.
He said the festival was planned under the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign and involved long-term international commitments.
“By the time the debate on austerity and public spending emerged, thousands of international tourists had already made travel arrangements, including flights and hotel bookings centred around the festival,” he said when contacted.
Fernandez said cancelling the event at a late stage would only have damaged Malaysia’s credibility as a tourism destination.
“It would have sent a very negative signal to the international market that Malaysia does not honour its tourism commitments.
“That kind of reputational damage is far more costly than the event itself,” he said.
Fernandez said the festival was designed to generate wider economic spillover effects, mainly for hotels and the retail and service industries, with more than 70 hotels offering promotional packages linked to the event.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus said no untoward incidents were reported during the festival, with preventive checks on individuals deemed suspicious finding no offences.
“As far as I am aware, none of them were found to be involved in any criminal activity,” he told reporters.
Comm Fadil said about 500 officers and personnel were deployed to ensure the safe and smooth running of the event.
He said a 28-year-old woman was arrested for possessing a knife and was expected to be remanded for further investigation.
