Event organisers must keep a lid on conflicts, says Tiong after Desaru biker brawl

JOHOR BARU: The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry has advised event organisers to mediate conflicts and prevent them from escalating into fights that would cast Malaysia in a negative light.

Commenting on a brawl that took place during the Desaru International Bike Week last weekend, its Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (pic) said organisers should take the initiative to sit down with aggrieved parties to find an amicable solution.

This was especially needed for international events, he added.

“There is no need to throw punches or chairs. It is better to discuss things cordially.

“The brawl casts a bad light on the country and affects our name on the world stage, especially when it happens at an international event.

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“I do not want to get involved in this case as police are conducting investigations. We should give them space to do so,” he told reporters after an appreciation dinner for the recent Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections at a hotel here on Sunday (Sept 24) night.

He was asked to comment on an incident that went viral on Saturday (Sept 23) night where two men involved were arrested by police.

In the social media video clip lasting a little over a minute, groups of people in leather attire are seen hurling chairs and barstools at each other in a sandy area while loud music plays in the background.

Shouting is heard as well.

The programme, held for the second time since 2019, gathered international and local bikers for a three-day event at one of Johor’s popular holiday destinations, Desaru, with exhibitions, concert performances, bazaars and beach sports also taking place.

Asked if the ministry would come up with stricter guidelines for event organisers, Tiong said events of such a scale usually involved several ministries.

He added that his ministry would advise programme organisers under its purview to take note and prevent such incidents from recurring.