The Islamic party yesterday criticised the Pinkfish Express dance festival held on a KTMB chartered train last Thursday, accusing the event of being an “immoral activity” which tarnished the train operator’s reputation.

Billed as the first festival train in Southeast Asia, photos and videos on Pinkfish’s social media platforms showed partygoers dancing in the train while DJs performed.

In a statement today, KTMB said its role is to offer the entire train and coaches according to customers’ requirements.

It said that while the activities on the train were planned by the customers, they had to adhere to the guidelines and terms.

“KTMB had set conditions such as prohibitions on smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use and any unlawful activities on the train.

“The train made a return trip from the Kuala Lumpur KTM station to the Serendah KTM station.

“These conditions were agreed upon and adhered to by the customer.

“In light of this issue, KTMB will enhance and improve our guidelines for our charter train service,” it said.

Charters available since September 2021

KTMB said companies or individuals interested in chartering a special train from the train operator had been able to do so since September 2021, adding that the service had received a positive response.

“It has been used by ministries, government-linked companies, private firms from domestic and international markets, and various associations,” it said.

PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari yesterday slammed the event after saying it went against “eastern culture”.

He said although entertainment is not wrong, Malaysians as a diverse community must uphold KTMB’s image as well as the practice of “moderate entertainment culture that is not ‘scooped’ from Western countries”.

“Islam provides comprehensive guidelines to fulfil the desires of people who seek entertainment.

“Moderation in entertainment is the key to progress,” he said.