DAPSY National Chairman, YB Woo Kah Leong commended the recent water music festivals held across Malaysia, particularly the Rain Rave Music Festival in Kuala Lumpur, for their resounding success in enhancing the country’s international image and injecting fresh momentum into the tourism sector.
Woo stressed that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) should seize this opportunity to further develop the “concert economy” model to ensure Malaysia secures a strong position in the global entertainment tourism landscape, instead of ceding ground to neighbouring countries.
Leverage Trends to Develop Entertainment Economy
Woo, who is also a Perak EXCO member, pointed out that although neighbouring countries such as Singapore have taken an early lead in the concert economy, including securing exclusive performance arrangements with international artists, Malaysia still possesses unique competitive advantages that cannot be easily replicated.
He noted that Malaysia’s relatively lower venue rental and labour costs are highly attractive to international event organisers. For foreign tourists, accommodation and transportation in Malaysia are both affordable and convenient, complemented by a food culture widely regarded as among the best in Asia. These factors position Malaysia as a prime destination for regional entertainment tourism.
Criticizing Akmal Saleh and PN for Being “Tourism Repellents”
At the same time, Woo also criticised UMNO Youth Chief Akmal Saleh and Perikatan Nasional (PN) for failing to offer any constructive suggestions to support small tourism businesses, and instead acting as “tourism repellents” during the crucial lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
“We do not need advice from a failed PN administration that turned Langkawi’s tourism sector into a ‘ghost town’, nor do we need to entertain the unreasonable antics of a particular Melaka EXCO member who practises double standards. What Malaysia needs most are ‘Tourism Ambassadors’ who can attract a steady flow of visitors, instead of ‘Tourism Repellents’ like Akmal and PN leaders who constantly undermine efforts with extreme remarks that repel foreign tourists,” he said.
Kuala Lumpur’s Strength Lies in Diversity and Openness
Responding to recent criticisms from conservative groups against entertainment activities, Woo said PN may prefer the states they govern to be quiet and monotonous, but people living in the Klang Valley understand that Kuala Lumpur’s appeal lies in its diversity and inclusiveness.
“Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its openness and diversity. People of different faiths coexist with mutual respect while experiencing various cultures. It is no doubt a vibrant, international, pluralistic, and thriving city.”
Support Small Businesses’ Effort to Improve Livelihoods
Woo added that Kuala Lumpur residents prioritise improving their livelihoods through economic activities. Therefore, entertainment events are welcomed and supported, so long as they do not incite crime or disrupt public order, such as illegal street racing.
Given that many small businesses in Kuala Lumpur are eager to leverage Visit Malaysia 2026 to increase their income and elevate the city’s global profile, such aspirations to improve livelihoods through legitimate economic means are entirely reasonable and should be fully supported by the government.
“This is not a PN-governed state, and thus we will not see farcical incidents like in Melaka, where DJ performances at a water music festival were cancelled due to interference by some PN-linked agents.”
Woo concluded by calling on the “Tourism Repellent Ambassadors” to continue imposing bans and cancelling events in their own states, effectively diverting more tourists to non-PN states. This will allow businesses and communities operating in more open and progressive states to benefit from the economic gains of Visit Malaysia 2026.