KUCHING: Respect for local culture remains a condition for New Year countdown celebrations.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said while New Year countdown celebrations are allowed, any elements deemed excessive or contrary to local cultural values will not be tolerated.
He said this in response to a recent foam festival publicised to be held in Miri that went viral on social media , prompting objections from several non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
He pointed out that public dissatisfaction stemmed largely from a planned performance by a group from Thailand, which leaned towards activities unsuitable for local cultural norms.
“It involves elements that are considered somewhat excessive and as a result, I understand that many NGOs have raised objections—some have even lodged police reports and protests regarding what has happened and what is planned to happen.
“Organisers should have considered this before promoting it. The councils and police that issue permits should ask what kind of performances will be staged—whether there will be nudity, indecent attire, and so on—so that issues do not escalate, angering the public.
“We should work to prevent this from happening in the future,” he told reporters after officiating the Festival Jabat Sejagat 2025 closing ceremony at Sarawak Sports Village yesterday (Dec 29).
Following the objections, Abdul Karim said the Miri City Council summoned the organiser for discussions, after which certain performances deemed excessive were agreed to be withdrawn.
“I hope that the organisers in the future will be mindful of sensitivities like this and avoid elements that are excessive and far removed from Eastern cultural values.
“That is why it is important for the ministry, the council granting approval, and the police to review the content of any event—whether it leads to undesirable or inappropriate matters,” he stressed.
Addressing whether the countdown would continue, he confirmed that it would.
“If you want to hold a countdown, there is no problem. Singing is not an issue. In Kuching, we hold it from 8 pm to 2 am with singing, featuring many performers including Judika, KRU, Dayang Nurfaizah and more,” he said.
However, he cautioned against introducing what he described as unhealthy cultures, even if events such as these are privately funded without government assistance.
“Being able to fund an event yourself does not mean you can bring in anyone or present anything. Let this be a reminder to everyone who wants to organise programmes in the future.
“The government must protect our culture and the sensitivities of our various ethnic groups and religious bodies,” he said.
Abdul Karim reiterated that the government retains full authority to stop any event that violates laws or public decency.
“You cannot come in and perform naked dances — absolutely not. We have laws, and action will be taken by the authorities if such things happen,” he stressed.
