PETALING JAYA, Oct 6 — Tourism industry players have rallied behind Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing amid criticism over the presence of alcoholic beverages at a recent Tourism Malaysia dinner in Melaka, Sin Chew Daily reported.
Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA) president Mint Leong said the minister’s performance should be assessed by the tourism industry and not by politicians.
“I’ll say it again — if you want to sack the minister, ask us first!” she was quoted as saying, adding that those calling for Tiong’s removal should instead focus on individuals undermining the sector’s progress.
Leong was responding to Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh and Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, who criticised the Tourism Ministry for allowing alcohol to be served at the dinner and urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to dismiss Tiong.
According to Sin Chew Daily, Leong accused the two leaders of politicising the issue, saying their remarks showed a lack of gratitude for the ministry’s efforts to promote Melaka as a tourism destination.
“Since these two Melaka representatives are ungrateful, perhaps the minister should consider withdrawing the planned Visit Melaka Year 2026 launch from the state,” she said.
Leong described their comments as insensitive and irrational, adding that the tourism industry had poured significant resources into hosting the World Tourism Day celebrations in Melaka, which successfully attracted visitors and boosted hotel occupancy.
“The whole country’s attention was on Melaka — and instead of appreciation, we received criticism. It’s truly disheartening,” she said.
She also stressed that alcohol and tourism are often intertwined, particularly when welcoming international guests.
“Drinking is part of international social culture. The dinner was attended by international buyers, and the minister mentioned that the event generated RM420 million in returns — that’s absolutely true,” she said.
Leong added that while MITA was not directly involved in organising the event, expecting tourism to be completely separated from alcohol was unrealistic.
She warned that politicising the issue could damage Malaysia’s image and harm preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
“The government and tourism associations have invested heavily to promote Malaysia abroad, even inviting foreign agents, media, and influencers at our own expense. Yet a dinner meant to show appreciation turned into a social media controversy. It’s baffling,” she said.
Tiong, in a separate statement cited by Sin Chew Daily, clarified that Tourism Malaysia had only organised the 2½-day Global Travel Meet, which brought in RM420 million in revenue.
He said the dinner in question was a private function organised by industry members and companies to celebrate the event’s success and host their international partners.
