Tourism, arts and culture minister Tiong King Sing also called on state governments to contribute information on their cultural, tourist and culinary aspects. (Facebook pic)
PETALING JAYA: Tourism, arts, and culture minister Tiong King Sing has assured that the full promotional video for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) will highlight the unique elements of each state.
Tiong said he has asked top officials, including the minister’s secretary-general Roslan Abdul Rahman, to refine the completed full video.
“This video must be structured properly so that foreign tourists won’t be confused by the distinct elements of each state.
“It shouldn’t jump (abruptly from one scene to another),” he said during a session with tourism industry representatives at One World Hotel, Bandar Utama.
As such, he called on all state governments to contribute information about cultural elements, tourist destinations and special culinary offerings.
“But if the states don’t help us (by providing input on their own uniqueness), how can we do so?” he said, adding that any parties with issues are urged to come forward and discuss directly with the ministry to resolve them.
Tiong also urged all quarters to refrain from making negative statements or stirring up sentiments.
“Right now, society is in turmoil, with accusations of racism and playing the race card.”
Yesterday, Bersatu Youth demanded the ministry withdraw the promotional video after stating that it neglected the country’s Muslim majority by focusing solely on places of worship like churches and temples.
The 41-second video showed multiple tourist attractions, including Central Market in Kuala Lumpur, the Sky Bridge in Langkawi, Batu Caves in Selangor, Christ Church in Melaka and several cultural performances.
Separately, PAS Youth criticised the video for failing to highlight the beauty and uniqueness of Malaysia’s mosques, which they said serve as symbols of the federal religion.
Tiong, who pushed back against the criticism, said the issue should not be politicised and that the mosques are featured in a separate promotional video to be released soon.
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