Zahid Hamidi Says KL Water Musical Festival Will Be Modified After Public Backlash
Festival plans draw public attention
Malaysia’s plan to introduce the Water Musical Festival in Kuala Lumpur has sparked debate online, with critics questioning whether the event resembles Thailand’s Songkran festival and whether it suits local sensibilities.
The festival is part of a broader lineup of events planned around Bukit Bintang under the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign, which aims to boost tourism and international visibility.
Government responds to concerns
Speaking after officiating the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 Run at Bukit Bintang on 1 February, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Water Musical Festival will not be cancelled but will instead be modified.
He explained that organisers have been instructed to adjust the concept to avoid controversy and ensure it reflects local cultural expectations rather than copying foreign festivals outright.
“We will adapt the event so that these controversial and problematic issues can be avoided,” Zahid said, as quoted by local media.
Event will be aligned with local culture
Zahid added that the objective is to keep the festival inclusive and suitable for the Malaysian public while maintaining its appeal to tourists. The revised format is expected to emphasise music and entertainment without elements that could be misinterpreted or provoke public discomfort.
Also present at the event were Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Fadlun Mak Ujud.
Tourism push under Visit Malaysia Year 2026
Zahid, who chairs the Visit Malaysia Year Cabinet Committee, said the government is planning multiple large-scale activities to attract both domestic and international visitors ahead of 2026.
He cited the strong turnout at the VMY2026 Run as an encouraging sign, noting that participation exceeded expectations with more than 5,000 people attending.
The government is also hoping that upcoming international sporting events, including a major marathon scheduled later this year, will help increase Malaysia’s visibility as a tourism destination.
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