Its director, Hanifuddin Rosan, said a religious advisory already states that entertainment is not banned in Islam, but must comply with syarak guidelines.

“Jawi expresses its regret over the programme’s organisation and hopes the organiser will reassess the concept to be sensitive to Malaysia’s multiracial, religious, and cultural diversity,” he said in a statement.

Hanifuddin said Jawi would hold a simultaneous Yassin recitation and solat hajat across Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan tonight after Maghrib to pray for the country’s wellbeing and harmony.

“Jawi also requests the cooperation of all parties to ensure that any entertainment programme does not contain elements that could undermine the sanctity of religion and public morality, in order to prevent greater harm,” he added.

The Rain Rave Water Music Festival runs from today until May 2 at Bukit Bintang in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026.

The event has drawn objections from various quarters, with Selangor PAS Youth chief Sukri Omar saying it did not reflect Malaysian identity, while Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh questioned why it was not shelved under the government’s austerity measures.

Tourism, arts and culture minister Tiong King Sing has repeatedly defended the festival, saying similar events such as the Songkran water festival in Thailand had attracted tourists to the country, including Malaysians, and generated huge returns.

Tiong also said participation was voluntary and denied claims that participants of the water music festival had been told to come in swimsuits or revealing clothes.