“Tourists asked me if we’re racist” – Tourism Minister Disagrees With DBKL’s Dual Language Signboard Rules

DBKL has been actively making rounds around town and issuing summons to premises that marginalise the national language. 

While the city council is just doing its job, the Minister of Tourism, Dato Seri Tiong King Sing believes the rules about dual language signboards have created unnecessary emotional reactions, and caused many tourists to be unhappy about it.

In his Facebook post, Tiong said the issue has caused international tourists to be upset about the matter, and some even allegedly and personally asked Tiong,

“Is Malaysia a racist and an extremist country?”

Tiong said this matter has caused many doubts among international tourists visiting Malaysia, which will affect the tourism industry in Malaysia while the country competes against other countries in the sector.

“Reality is, we are a multi-racial, multi-cultural, and multi-religious country. We cannot create a false negative image that contradicts this reality.”

Focus on other initiatives please, DBKL

In his post, Tiong advised the Kuala Lumpur City Council to focus on other initiatives that will benefit society and not create controversies from extreme execution of the rules.

“I propose that DBKL collaborate with the Visit Malaysia Year campaign to improve the city’s basic infrastructure and create more attractions for tourists, offering them new and exciting experiences to explore in Kuala Lumpur.”

“Instead of portraying an authoritarian and backward image, DBKL should embody the spirit of civilisation and openness of the capital,” Tiong explained.

He said that this step is necessary considering that next year Malaysia will be chairing ASEAN, with various events to be held in the capital in addition to the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign.

“I warn that ongoing racial or religious controversies will affect international trust and cooperation, potentially having a negative impact on the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign.”

What do you think of Tiong’s take on the matter?

Also read: “I’m not coming back” – Tourist from China is Upset Over the Lack of Chinese Signage in Malaysia