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Zahid to raise in Cabinet issue of alcohol served at tourism meet

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  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, October 5th 2025 at 14:10 GMT by Free Malaysia Today
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Zahid to Raise Alcohol-Serving Issue in Cabinet Over Tourism Meet

On Monday, 5 October 2025, the Malaysian government is poised to confront a cultural‑political dilemma that has sparked a quiet but intense debate across the nation. Zahid Ibrahim, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, announced that he would bring the matter of alcohol being served at a recent tourism meet to the cabinet. The issue, which has drawn criticism from Islamic leaders, several members of parliament (MPs) and a section of the public, sits at the intersection of Malaysia’s legal framework for alcohol, its image as a halal‑friendly tourism destination and its economic ambitions.

The Controversial Event

The tourism meet in question was the “2025 Malaysia Tourism & Investment Forum,” held at the Petronas Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur from 31 September to 1 October. The event was organised in partnership with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and aimed to attract foreign investors to key sectors such as eco‑tourism, heritage sites and luxury hospitality.

While the programme was largely praised for its comprehensive showcase of Malaysia’s tourism potential, a subtle yet significant detail drew ire: an on‑site bar served alcoholic beverages to a segment of attendees, including a number of non‑Muslim foreign delegations. Although the event venue – a 5‑star hotel that holds a licence to serve alcohol – was legally compliant, the presence of alcohol at a government‑backed tourism forum was seen by some as an incongruity with Malaysia’s Islamic identity.

“It is our duty to present Malaysia as a Muslim‑friendly nation that can offer halal services to all visitors,” said a spokesperson for the National Islamic Affairs Department (JAKIM) in a brief statement. “Allowing alcohol at a tourism event could be perceived as an endorsement of behaviour that is not permissible under Islamic law.”

The controversy has intensified after a local news outlet quoted a senior MP, T. Nirmala, saying that the event “set a precedent that could erode the moral fabric of our society.” She urged the cabinet to review the policy on alcohol consumption at official events. The ministry’s own press release, however, stated that the alcohol was served only to foreign dignitaries who had requested it as part of their hospitality package, and that no local Muslim guests were served drinks.

Why the Cabinet Matters

The issue sits squarely on the policy shoulders of several ministries. While the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act 1976 (Act 164) sets out regulations for the sale, distribution and consumption of alcohol, its application to official government events is ambiguous. The Tourism Ministry’s mandate includes promoting Malaysia as a top halal destination, but it also has to ensure that events it endorses comply with the Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Act.

Zahid’s decision to raise the matter in cabinet is a strategic move. The cabinet meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, will involve the Minister of Home Affairs, the Minister of Religious Affairs, and the Director‑General of the Alcohol Licensing Board. The discussion will aim to clarify whether a blanket ban on alcohol at government‑backed tourism events is feasible, or whether a more nuanced policy – perhaps limiting alcohol to foreign delegations with prior consent – is acceptable.

“There is no doubt that alcohol consumption is a sensitive issue for many Malaysians,” Zahid said in a brief interview with the Free Malaysia Today (FMT). “Our goal is to safeguard our national values while continuing to attract international investment. We are reviewing all existing guidelines to strike a balance between these objectives.”

A Wider Context

The controversy is not happening in a vacuum. In recent years, Malaysia has aggressively marketed itself as a halal tourism hub, winning accolades such as the “Best Halal Destination” award in the 2023 Global Tourism Awards. The government’s halal‑tourism strategy – part of the “Malaysia My Second Home” (MM2H) programme – relies heavily on the perception that the country respects Islamic principles. The presence of alcohol at a high‑profile tourism event risks undermining that brand.

Moreover, Malaysia’s alcohol laws differ across states, and the federal government has had to tread carefully to avoid provincial disputes. The state of Selangor, where the Petronas Convention Centre is located, allows alcohol in licensed venues but prohibits its sale in public markets or on roads. Yet the event’s status as a government‑backed forum places it in a grey zone.

Internationally, it is not uncommon for alcohol to be served at tourism or investment events. However, Malaysia’s predominantly Muslim population has historically been sensitive to any overt display of alcohol. The Ministry of Tourism has had to strike a delicate balance between following international norms and respecting domestic sensibilities.

Potential Outcomes

The cabinet’s deliberations could lead to a new set of guidelines, potentially along one of the following lines:

1. Prohibition of Alcohol at Official Tourism Events – A blanket ban that would prohibit any alcohol consumption at events endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism. This would appease religious groups but could be criticized by the private sector for limiting hospitality.

2. Conditional Licensing for Foreign Delegations – Alcohol could be permitted for foreign dignitaries under strict conditions, such as limiting the number of drinks, ensuring that local Muslim guests are not served alcohol, and providing a halal alternative for all attendees.

3. Enhanced Oversight and Reporting – The Ministry could mandate detailed reporting of any alcohol service at tourism events, ensuring that the ministry remains compliant with legal and religious standards.

In any case, the cabinet’s decision will likely be guided by both domestic sentiment and international competitiveness. The Ministry’s spokesperson has hinted that “we are open to consultation with stakeholders, including the tourism industry, religious councils and the public, to develop a policy that respects all parties.”

Public Reaction and The Road Ahead

The debate has sparked a flurry of social media commentary. While some users applaud Zahid for “standing up for our values,” others argue that “tourism must be a global business – we should not let cultural differences hinder investment.”

A petition launched on Change.org to “ban alcohol at tourism events” has gathered over 20,000 signatures in less than a week. Meanwhile, a counter‑petition titled “Freedom of Choice” has also seen strong support, arguing that the event’s attendees were not Malaysian citizens and that such decisions should be left to the organisers.

The government’s next move will set a precedent. If the cabinet adopts a stricter stance, it may influence how other ministries handle alcohol at official events. Conversely, a more permissive approach could signal a shift towards a more globalized tourism strategy.

In the weeks that follow, all eyes will be on the cabinet’s decision. Whatever the outcome, it will underscore the delicate balancing act Malaysia faces as it seeks to be both a respected Islamic nation and a competitive player in the global tourism market.