By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 9: The architectural elements of mosques will be featured in a more detailed promotional video for Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026.
In a news report by TVS, Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Dato Seri Tiong King Sing clarified that the previously disputed 41-second montage video, which did not include mosque elements, was a brief and simple launch video.
“This video was only a short, 41-second launch video. Our main goal was to highlight Malaysia’s uniqueness in an inclusive manner, and I hope everyone understands that such launch videos cannot be overly long or detailed,” he said after attending the Central Region Tourism Industry Engagement Session held at a hotel in Petaling Jaya today.
Tiong further explained that the VMY 2026 promotional video is currently being edited, with several improvements already suggested. The editing team has been given one week to update the video accordingly.
“Malaysia boasts a diverse range of beauty and uniqueness, including the awe-inspiring architecture of mosques. These elements will be incorporated into a more detailed promotional video, which will highlight these aspects more specifically. The video is in its final stages and will be released soon,” he added.
The video will also include elements that showcase Malaysia’s arts, culture, and tourism attractions, such as silat, Ngajat dance, and Sumazau dance, which symbolise cultural richness and national unity.
Additionally, Tiong revealed that a longer version of the promotional video, lasting between 30 to 45 minutes, will be launched. This version will provide in-depth highlights of each state, helping foreign tourists explore destinations they wish to visit.
“For example, if tourists are interested in Penang, they can watch the segment featuring that state. Similarly, if they are planning to visit Kuala Lumpur, the video will provide a closer look at the capital,” he explained.
Tiong expressed disappointment over certain irresponsible parties who have politicised the issue, turning it into a religious and racial matter, which risks causing division.
He emphasised that such actions undermine social harmony in the country.
“I strongly oppose the actions of those who distort our efforts, presenting them as an agenda contrary to the spirit of Malaysia Madani. Our priority should be unity, mutual respect, and the collective well-being of the nation.
“We are committed to doing what is best for the country, and I hope all parties understand that the main objective is to promote Malaysia as a world-class tourist destination and bolster the national economy through tourism, arts, and culture,” he said.
Tiong called on everyone, regardless of race, religion, or background, to avoid politicising this issue or turning it into a matter of religion or race.
Earlier, the 41-second video, which was posted on Tourism Malaysia’s official Facebook page, showcased several popular tourist destinations, including Petaling Street and Pasar Seni in Kuala Lumpur, Mulu Caves (Sarawak), Langkawi Skywalk (Kedah), Batu Caves (Selangor), and a historic church in Melaka.
Also present at the event was Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Khairul Firdaus Akhbar Khan.
During the event, 39 strategic partners and collaborators of VMY2026, including hotels, media outlets, and others, were presented with certificates. — DayakDaily
