KUCHING: Sarawak’s Sibu Jaya water festivals highlight the importance of suitable venues that balance enjoyment and public convenience, amid public reaction to the Rain Rave Water Music Festival 2026 in Bukit Bintang.
Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said well-planned, community-oriented locations have proven effective in ensuring large-scale participation without causing disruption to the surrounding environment.
He said the Sibu Jaya water festival, which has been held multiple times, continues to grow in popularity and attendance due to its controlled setting and family-friendly atmosphere.
“In Sibu Jaya, we have organised the water festival three or four times already, and it continues to grow each year. The last one, if I am not mistaken, attracted around 20,000 participants,” he said when met at Arena Sukan here today (May 1).
Abdul Karim said the success of such events lies in the ability to create a safe and inclusive environment where families of all ages can participate comfortably.
He added that water festivals often attract participants across generations, making them strong community-building events.
“From children to grandparents, everyone comes together. That kind of atmosphere is very positive for the community,” he said.
However, he noted that venue selection remains a key consideration, especially for large-scale events held in densely populated urban areas.
Using the recent Rain Rave Water Music Festival 2026 in Bukit Bintang as context, Abdul Karim said busy commercial districts may not always be suitable for such activities due to congestion and potential disruption to businesses.
“Bukit Bintang is a very busy commercial area. When you have activities like this, it can cause congestion and inconvenience to businesses, especially when people are running around wet and entering shops,” he said.
He suggested that alternative venues such as lakeside parks, open fields, or designated enclosed event spaces would be more appropriate for similar large-scale water-based events.
“For me, places like Taman Tasik or properly enclosed venues would be better. That way, people can enjoy themselves without affecting traffic or businesses,” he said.
Abdul Karim also stressed that organisers must consider the perspectives of all stakeholders, including the public and business owners, before finalising event locations.
Meanwhile, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, has called on all parties to stop politicising the Rain Rave Water Music Festival, which is currently taking place in Bukit Bintang from April 30 to May 2.
The event has sparked criticism from several quarters, including Selangor PAS Youth Chief, Sukri Omar, who said it does not reflect Malaysian identity, while Umno Youth Chief, Dr Akmal Saleh, questioned why it was not cancelled in line with government austerity measures.
Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department’s Director, Hanifuddin Rosan, said the festival could raise moral concerns and undermine societal values, adding that while entertainment is not prohibited in Islam, it must adhere to syariah guidelines.
