THE move to punish an island resort in Terengganu for hosting a private party will risk Malaysia’s reputation as a tourist-friendly destination and impact the arrival of tourists and investors, said Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng today.

“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,” he said in a statement.

He was referring to the Terengganu government’s RM25,000 fine on a private resort on Lang Tengah Island for hosting a private beach party on May 20.

Summer Bay Resort on Pulau Lang Tengah in Besut was also barred from hosting similar events in the future.

“A party hosted on 20 May violated Subsection 6(1) of the Terengganu Entertainment and Places of Entertainment Enactment 2002,” state Tourism, Culture, Environment, and Climate Change Committee chairman Razali Idris was reported as saying.

Razali added that it was found that the resort had breached regulations and failed to conduct itself in a Muslim-friendly manner.

He, however, said the resort was allowed to keep its business licence.

Lim said the fine sent a clear message to the world that 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.

 “The fine doesn’t just hurt the resort; it hurts the local economy. The tourism sector provides many jobs. Unnecessary fines can lead to closures and job losses.”

The DAP lawmaker also said the fine was a blatant violation of personal freedoms as private events on private properties should be off-limits to government overreach as long as they comply with the law. 

He noted that the “Aloha Party” event had been held for the past 10 years for private guests only, with no Muslims being invited. 

“The resort operator also stated that no guests at the party were wearing bikinis and no alcoholic drinks were served during the party. 

“This action by the Terengganu government sets a dangerous precedent where the government can arbitrarily interfere in private affairs. 

“Malaysians have the right to host private gatherings without fearing exorbitant fines and unnecessary scrutiny,” he said.

He called on the Terengganu government to rescind the fine immediately and adopt a more sensible, supportive approach to tourism and personal freedoms. – May 25, 2024.