KUALA LUMPUR — Umno has emphasised that all public programmes must be grounded in clear principles and should not disregard societal norms, religious sensitivities, or local values, following the controversy surrounding the Rain Rave 2026 festival.
Its president, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, said the party takes seriously the views expressed by the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) and the Federal Territories Mufti Department.
“These views should be respected as they reflect the concerns of the majority of Malaysians.
“That is why we have requested that such programmes be reviewed in terms of concept, content, and execution,” he wrote on his Facebook page on Friday.
Ahmad Zahid added that guidelines for public events must be tightened to ensure that every programme aligns with the country’s cultural, religious, and national identity.
“Umno’s principle regarding entertainment is clear — it is not wrong to enjoy oneself, but there must be limits.
“Progress can continue, but values cannot be compromised. Organisers should consult authorities to preserve societal harmony,” he said, stressing that this stance represents Umno’s official position on the matter.
The comments follow the planning of the Rain Rave Water Music Festival 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, which has sparked debate over its potential impact on local values and sensitivities.
JAWI, in a statement on Thursday, opposed the event, citing possible moral harm and erosion of societal values. The department also urged organisers to reassess the programme’s concept with attention to Malaysia’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious society.
Meanwhile, the Federal Territories Mufti Department, through Bayan Linnas Series 351, stated that Islam does not entirely forbid entertainment but stressed it must adhere to syarak guidelines and avoid elements of vice.
Earlier, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) assured that stringent security measures would be implemented at the festival.
Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the police and enforcement agencies would closely monitor public order at the venue and would not tolerate unlawful behaviour.
“We are organising this programme for the people, so the safety of tourists and local visitors is assured,” he told reporters after officiating the launch of Rain Rave 2026 at Pavilion Bukit Bintang.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus noted that 500 officers and personnel, with support from Bukit Aman and all Kuala Lumpur district police headquarters, have been deployed to strategic locations to maintain order and ensure the festival runs smoothly.
Tiong said the festival, held in conjunction with Labour Day, is a strategic initiative to stimulate the local economy, particularly supporting the B40 group.
“Such programmes not only provide recreational opportunities for the public but also promote the uniqueness of local food and cultural performances to foreign tourists.
“If we do not organise such programmes, tourists will not come and the B40 group will not be able to do business. How can we boost the economy? Where programmes are needed, we will carry them out to stabilise the economy,” he said.
On the global supply crisis, Tiong noted that Malaysia’s tourism sector remains on a strong trajectory. While tourist arrivals from West Asia have slightly declined, overall international arrivals continue to rise, led by visitors from Asean countries and Europe. – May 1, 2026