Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng has chided the Terengganu state government for imposing a RM25,000 fine on a private resort in Lang Tengah Island for hosting a private beach party.
In a statement today, he said such a move was absurd and harmful and would contribute to the decline of the country’s tourism industry.
“Tourism is a critical pillar of Malaysia’s economy, contributing RM71.3 billion in revenue in 2023 and supporting millions of jobs. Slapping a punitive fine on a resort for a private event is a surefire way to scare off tourists and investors.
“It creates an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty that can drive visitors away to more welcoming destinations.
“With Malaysia’s tourism sector already struggling to recover from the pandemic, this action is a kick in the teeth to an industry that desperately needs support, not punishment,” Lim added.
No Muslims invited to party
He also called the fine a blatant violation of personal freedoms, urging the state government to rescind the penalty immediately and adopt a more sensible, supportive approach to tourism.
“Private events on private property should be off-limits to government overreach, as long as they comply with the law.
“According to Summer Bay Resort, the ‘Aloha Party’ event has been held in the past 10 years for private guests only and no Muslims were invited.
“The resort operator also stated that no guests at the party were wearing bikinis and no alcoholic drinks were served during the party, he said.
The Terengganu government’s action sets a dangerous precedent where the government can arbitrarily interfere in private affairs, he added.
Lim emphasised that Malaysians have the right to host private gatherings without fearing exorbitant fines and unnecessary scrutiny.
Aside from the fine, the state government also prohibited Summer Bay Resort from hosting similar events in the future, it said through its news portal TRDI News.
“A party hosted on May 20 violated Subsection 6(1) of the Terengganu Entertainment and Places of Entertainment Enactment 2002 (which requires a licence to host entertainment).
“From the explanation provided by Summer Bay Resort, we found that it breached many regulations, including ethics, SOPs, and Muslim-friendly conduct in the state,” state Tourism, Culture, Environment, and Climate Change Committee chairperson Razali Idris said.
Tourist-friendly reputation at risk
Lim countered this by warning that Malaysia’s reputation as a tourist-friendly destination was at risk.
“This fine sends a clear message to the world: Malaysia is not open for business.
“Investors and tourists alike will think twice about coming to a country where the government imposes hefty fines for private events, further damaging our already struggling tourism sector,” he said.
The fine, he pointed out, doesn’t just hurt the resort but the local economy as well for tourism provides many jobs.
“Unnecessary fines can lead to closures and job losses. In a time when the Malaysian government is trying hard to hold the unemployment rate at 3.3 percent, this is the last thing we need.
“The authorities should be focused on creating jobs and stimulating economic growth, not stifling it with punitive measures,” he added. - Mkini
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