Sarawak Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said organisers of large water festivals should assess location, participant background and traffic impact before approving events, after the Rain Rave Water Music Festival 2026 was held in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, from April 30 to May 2. [1]
He said every event has pros and cons and that organisers must look at the wider effect on the public and stakeholders. He warned that holding water activities in busy commercial areas can inconvenience businesses and visitors because wet participants may enter premises and disrupt foot traffic. [1]
"Personally, I see every event as having its pros and cons. However, organisers need to look at it from various perspectives, including the location, the background of the participants and the impact on traffic congestion," Abdul Karim said. [1]
He said safer results come from closed or controlled venues, where organisers can manage crowds without affecting roads or nearby shops. He suggested places such as Taman Tasik Titiwangsa or Dataran Merdeka as better options because they are easier to control and less likely to disrupt surrounding businesses. [1]
Abdul Karim also said water festivals can bring benefits when they are properly managed. He pointed to a previous event in Sibu Jaya last year that drew about 20,000 people and helped promote family bonding. He said large events can still work well if planners match the site to the activity. [1]
He added that organisers must also consider safety, including the risk of injury and property damage if wet participants enter unsuitable premises. "These matters need to be considered carefully before a location is selected or approved," he said. [1]
