By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 9: The controversy surrounding racial and religious issues raised by the opposition over the promotional video for Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026 must be put to rest to prevent unnecessary social discord.
In a news report by TVS, Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Dato Seri Tiong King Sing emphasised that his ministry is ready to engage with critics to address their concerns and clarify any misunderstandings about the video montage.
“I urge everyone to refrain from playing up racial and religious sentiments on social media. If the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (Motac) has made any mistakes, please visit my office so we can discuss and find a solution.
“We haven’t even officially started Visit Malaysia Year 2026, but it already feels like it’s being condemned. Why incite such sentiments? If you don’t understand the video montage, come and speak to me directly.
“Give us a chance. I am not afraid of challenges—if any politician wants to debate me, I’m ready. But let’s not politicise racial and religious issues,” he said during an engagement session with Central Region tourism industry players at a hotel in Petaling Jaya today.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Khairul Firdaus Akhbar Khan also attended the event.
Tiong explained that the 40-second montage was only an introductory launch video for TMM 2026, and the full, more comprehensive version will be released soon.
“The official VMY 2026 video will highlight unique attractions from every state.
“I reviewed the video earlier and requested some edits to ensure every state is represented. This will make it easier for international tourists to understand Malaysia’s diverse offerings,” he said.
Tiong added that every state governments have been invited to collaborate with the ministry by sharing details about locations, cuisines, or attractions they would like included in the promotional material.
The VMY 2026 promotional video recently faced criticism for allegedly overlooking Islamic attractions, including mosques. — DayakDaily
