Tourism Malaysia did not organize catering services for the Global Travel Meet gala dinner, where alcohol was served, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said on Sunday. Private sector partners arranged the food and beverages, while the agency limited its involvement to launching the Visit Malaysia 2026 events calendar at the venue. The minister said the gathering produced an estimated 420 million ringgit in economic impact and aimed to promote Malaysia as a destination before the campaign begins.
Masjid Tanah lawmaker Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin questioned the appropriateness of serving alcohol at an event involving a government agency. Tiong responded by urging the legislator to support tourism promotion efforts rather than amplify misunderstandings. The minister emphasized that Malaysia guarantees religious freedom under its constitution and stressed that collaboration between the government and the private sector remains essential for the success of the 2026 initiative.
Masjid Tanah lawmaker Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin questioned the appropriateness of serving alcohol at an event involving a government agency. Tiong responded by urging the legislator to support tourism promotion efforts rather than amplify misunderstandings. The minister emphasized that Malaysia guarantees religious freedom under its constitution and stressed that collaboration between the government and the private sector remains essential for the success of the 2026 initiative.
