Organisers of "foam party" in Miri have agreed to withdraw excessive elements, says tourism minister

 

KUCHING, Dec 29 2025: The organisers of a New Year’s Eve celebration in Miri have agreed to withdraw “elements” of the performance that are considered excessive and not in line with oriental customs and culture. 

Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: Any entertainment programme must be scrutinized in advance by the authorities that give approval, including local authorities and the police.
 

Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the decision was made as a result of discussions between the organisers and the Miri City Council following objections from various parties including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as well as police reports submitted regarding the contents of the programme.

"As a result of the discussion, I was informed that the performance that was considered excessive has been agreed to be withdrawn," he said yesterday when met by the media at the Sports Village, according to RTM News.

He explained that the organisation of the New Year’s Eve celebration itself is not an issue and can continue, but the contents must be in line with the values, customs and sensitivities of the diverse community in Sarawak.

He stressed that any entertainment programme must be scrutinized in advance by the authorities that give approval, including local authorities and the police, to avoid contents that could spark anger and dissatisfaction among the people.

He also reminded all organisers to be more responsible and not present elements that contradict local culture even though the organisers do not receive allocations from the government.

Yesterday, 12 NGOs had expressed their objection to the holding of a ‘foam party’ for the New Year’s Eve celebration in Miri.

According to the Borneo Post newspaper, the group spokesperson Mohamad Abdullah Jamin said the NGOs had received feedback from the local community expressing unease about the event, said to take place at an open-air venue in the city this Dec 31, as promoted on social media.

He said the organisers had revealed that foreign performers would be invited.

“Based on the videos shared online, their performances seem to not be in line with local societal norms.

The NGOs had urged both the organisers and the authorities to reconsider the ‘foam party’ plan and adopt an approach that would ‘better reflect the identity, dignity and values of Sarawak society’.