Malaysia loses credibility as a host for international sport and entertainment events

Malaysia’s reputation as a host of international sports and entertainment events has been dealt another blow with the cancellation of the 2015 Women’s World Squash Championships.

Due to have been held in Kuala Lumpur from 11th to 18th December, plans for the tournament were plagued by confusion after a row erupted between the event's promoters and the Malaysian Government over claims of funding problems and security risks.

Immediately prior to the planned staging of the event, the Professional Squash Association (PSA) said the competition's promoters, Hallmark Events Group, had advised against staging the tournament due to "alleged security concerns".

However, the PSA's announcement on the cancellation gave no reason for calling off the event with Malaysian Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin accusing Hallmark Events Group of "blackmail", in comments reported by Malaysian media.

Minister Khairy also mentioned that the promoter had submitted a new offer to the stage the tournament, provided the Malaysian Government could underwrite sponsorship and RM3.5 million (US$820,000) on security.

Asia Sponsorship News highlights that the latest cancellation follows a number of local and international events over the past two years that have either been cancelled or reduced in size.

These include:

• Heineken’s EDM music platform ‘Thirst’ (2015) - Cancelled by Malaysian Police for reasons unknown 
• Kuala Lumpur marathon (2015) - Cancelled due to haze 
• Malaysia's first ever National Sports Day - Downsized due to haze 
• The Future Music Festival (2014) - Shut down mid-event due to drug-induced deaths 
• Earth Hour (2014) - Cancelled due to the MH370 tragedy 
• The Twin Towers Alive (2014) - Cancelled due to the MH370 tragedy 
• The Laureus Sports Awards - Scale reduced due to the MH370 tragedy

Image: Action from the 2014 Women’s World Squash Championships in Penang, Malaysia.

10th December 2015 - UAE ATTRACTIONS AND VENUES ALERT TO SECURITY THREATS

29th November 2015 - SOCIAL MEDIA IMPACTS MASS PARTICIPATION SPORTING EVENTS

2nd October 2015 - MALAYSIA AIMS FOR THREE MILLION PARTICIPANTS ON INAUGURAL NATIONAL SPORTS DAY

14th February 2015 - PROFESSIONAL SQUASH ASSOCIATION AGREES WORLD TOUR DEALS IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

19th March 2014 - DEATHS AND DRUG ARRESTS AT FUTURE MUSIC FESTIVAL ASIA