So, we’re sure every Malaysian in the country has heard about the controversial beer event, The Better Beer Festival, being cancelled after the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) did not approve for the craft beer festival to be carried out.
The annual event, which was supposed to be held in Publika from the 6th to the 7th of October this year, was criticised by the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), calling it a “vice festival” that would make KL “Asia’s vice centre”.
Since then, many Malaysians have been debating whether or not it was the right choice to ban the beer festival, since the event was intended for non-Muslims and has been going on for the past few years – since 2012 to be exact!
Source: Star2
Now, they wish to seek appeal from DBKL. The organisers contacted WORLD OF BUZZ with a press statement addressing the latest updates on the issue. An excerpt from their statement reads,
“We refer to the statement made by MCA President, YB Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai after the cabinet meeting yesterday, regarding the security concerns at this event. We would like to reiterate that we have held this festival annually for the last five years with no untoward incidents before, during or after the event.”
Source: Free Malaysia Today
They went on to say that they plan to meet with DBKL in hopes of getting the event’s cancellation overturned, saying,
“We will seek a meeting with DBKL to present our provisions for security again, which we believe are adequate. As had been adhered to in the past five festivals we organised, we will be conducting strict ID and security checks at all entry points into the enclosed areas, with multiple security personnel and Bulan Sabit Merah together with the support of Polis Bantuan from Publika to ensure the safety and security at the event.”
“It is our hope that DBKL will give us an opportunity to meet and discuss our appeal and grant us permission for the event to proceed. We also welcome any further advice from DBKL to ensure that our festival at Publika remains a safe and fun one.”
Well, there you have it! Now, it’s just a matter of time to see what DBKL decides. Let’s hope both parties are able to come to a mutual understanding and resolve the matter soon!
Also read: Annual ‘Better Beer Festival’ in Publika Officially Gets 2017 Event Banned by DBKL
