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THE Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) has formally objected to the Rain Rave Water Music Festival 2026, warning that the event could undermine moral values and social norms, particularly in a multicultural society.
Its director, Hanifuddin Roslan, said the agency viewed the festival’s concept as potentially harmful and urged organisers to reconsider its implementation.
“Jawi regrets the organisation of this programme and hopes that the organisers will reassess its concept.
“Jawi also hopes the organisers are sensitive to the multicultural, multi-religious and multi-cultural fabric of Malaysian society,” he said in a statement issued on Thursday.
The event, scheduled to take place in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, is set to transform the city centre into a large-scale water-themed music festival featuring local and international performers, combining water elements, visual displays and high-energy music as part of tourism promotion efforts.
Hanifuddin added that the objection aligns with the position of the Federal Territories Mufti Department, which issued Bayan Linnas Series 351 outlining concerns over entertainment that may contravene Islamic guidelines.
According to him, the publication titled “Rain Rave Water Music Festival 2026: Entertainment Has Limits, Organisers Bear Responsibility and Immoral Concerts Must Be Stopped” makes clear that while Islam does not reject entertainment entirely, it must adhere to principles set by religious law.
“Therefore, Jawi will organise simultaneous recitations of Yassin and special prayers across the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan today (30 April 2026) after Maghrib prayers to pray for the wellbeing and harmony of residents of the Federal Territories in particular and Malaysians in general.
“Jawi will also continue implementing religious programmes in the Federal Territories through lectures, talks, forums, advisories, social media campaigns and Friday sermons on the importance of Muslims adhering to the commands of Allah SWT and avoiding involvement in programmes with immoral elements,” he said.
Separately, Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh criticised the government’s decision to proceed with the festival, arguing that it was inconsistent with earlier cost-cutting measures and raised concerns about water usage during a period of supply strain.
He described the move as “one of the most foolish suggestions” and called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to cancel the event and replace Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
Akmal questioned the government’s priorities, noting that previous Hari Raya open house events had been cancelled on cost-saving grounds, while large-scale entertainment programmes were allowed to proceed.
“We can understand the Prime Minister cancelling the open house on the grounds of cost-saving, but why is the water festival not included in the cost-saving measures?” he said.
“Open house events can benefit the public and boost the catering industry, while water music festivals not only do not help people's livelihoods, but also waste water resources.”
He further argued that it was contradictory for authorities to pursue cloud seeding to boost water supply while permitting events that consume large amounts of water.
The festival, planned from 1 to 3 May, is part of broader tourism initiatives but has now become the focus of wider debate over cultural sensitivities, public policy priorities and resource management. - April 30, 2026
