After Backlash, Zahid Hamidi Says KL Water Musical Festival to Be “Modified” to Suit Local Sensitivities

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) recently revealed plans for several events around Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, as part of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign, including Tourism Workers’ Day celebrations and the Water Musical Festival.

The Water Musical Festival, expected to take place this May, has faced calls for cancellation from various groups due to its reported similarities to Thailand’s Songkran Festival.

Datuk seri zahid hamidi

Water Musical Festival will follow local culture to avoid controversy

Speaking after officiating the flag-off ceremony for the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 Run (VMY2026 Run) at Bukit Bintang yesterday (1 February), Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that the Water Musical Festival will be adapted to reflect local culture.

Harian Metro quoted Zahid as saying that organisers will make adjustments to ensure the event avoids controversies and negative debates.

“We will adapt the event so that these controversial and problematic issues can be avoided,” he added.

Also in attendance were the MOTAC Minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, and Kuala Lumpur Mayor, Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud.

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“We hope to see a rise in inbound tourists”

Meanwhile, Zahid revealed that a variety of events are lined up as part of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign to attract more tourists to the country.

He, who also chairs both the Visit Malaysia Year Cabinet Committee and the Tourism and Culture Cabinet Committee, said programmes like the fun run held in conjunction with Federal Territory Day received an overwhelming response from the public.

“We initially aimed for around 3,000 participants, but with walk-ins, the total topped 5,000. It’s really encouraging, especially seeing people from so many different communities taking part,” he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister added that the government hopes the marathon scheduled for this August will also draw international participants, helping to boost publicity and attract even more tourists to Malaysia.

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Also read: Zahid Hamidi: Johor to Introduce RM4K Starting Salary for Skilled Workers with Diploma, RM5K for Degree