Get Drunk If You Want But Not In Public Pas Mp All For Islamic Tourism

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PARLIAMENT | Zulkifly Jusoh (PN-Besut) has reiterated that while non-Muslims are not prohibited from drinking alcohol, a line should be drawn at public intoxication as the nation moves to promote Islamic tourism values.
Citing the need to preserve Malaysia’s image as a desirable tourism destination, the PAS MP lauded moves by the Terengganu government to issue stern warnings against tourism premises that sell alcohol without a licence.
Such measures, he said, are necessary to ensure that the nation’s tourist attractions, particularly islands, are visited due to their uniqueness, not as holiday spots to “get drunk.”
“We have never used our religion to prohibit non-Muslims from drinking alcohol. What we want is for (premises) to have a licence and drinking only to be done in designated places - in their rooms, for example - not public places.
“We’ve never stopped anyone - if you want to get drunk, go ahead. If you want to jump into the sea, jump - jump out of a plane, go ahead. But, don’t do it in public,” the former judge stressed.
In his debate on the Supply Bill 2026 for the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry at the committee stage, Zulkifly also appeared to take a jab at minister Tiong King Sing, saying: “Drunk people behave badly - we even have a minister who gets drunk (and) dances in public places.”
Alcohol served at the Global Travel Meet 2025 Gala Dinner on Oct 1Previously, Tiong had courted widespread backlash over the serving of alcohol at the Global Travel Meet 2025 Gala Dinner, with critics condemning the incident as an insult to Malaysia’s reputation as an Islamic country.
Tiong had later clarified that the event on Oct 1 was organised by the private sector, not the government.
Compliance with Islamic tourism standards
Referencing the incident, Zulkifly questioned whether the role of the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) is being taken seriously, not only by industry players, but also by the ministry itself.
He argued that if the ITC’s role had been properly exercised, the "embarrassing" Global Travel Meet event would not have happened, as with proper advice, alcohol would never have been served at the dinner.
“There needs to be a mechanism that makes it mandatory for ministry programmes to comply with the Islamic tourism standards outlined by ITC,” he urged.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King SingPrime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has since tasked Tiong with looking into more Muslim-friendly tourism approaches to sustain Malaysia’s standing as a global halal tourism destination.
This came after Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan had last year suggested the idea of turning Langkawi into a niche holiday destination for Muslims.
The proposal, however, drew criticism from various parties, prompting Tiong to apologise on behalf of his deputy while stressing that since Malaysia is a multiracial country, no tourism site should cater exclusively to the needs of a single religion. - Mkini

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