Berani dalam Benar: Faking “rain” as a dishonest welcome to VMY 2026 - Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, May 12, 2026

For more than 2 months, the concern that we often hear loud and clear worldwide, especially among the developed nations, is about “oil” or fossil fuel – rather the lack of it. And that it is getting from bad to worse. Reportedly, latest from the White House insiders, “a monumental panic within President Donald Trump’s inner circle over the rising price of gas” is imminent. The cause is said to be directed to the tensions ignited by the US President unilaterally under the banner “Operation Epic Fury” on February 28.  It is further reported that “officials are particularly concerned that higher prices for American consumers will spark a bloodbath for Republicans during the upcoming midterms”. Never mind the world at large.

Some USD 25bn has been quoted wasted to this effect, with the on-going conflict being the worst disruptions to the world oil supply chain thus far, with no clear end in sight. Incidentally, Tehran was “presented” with the control of the Strait of Hormuz, which by and large was kept closed, if not severely restricted, reducing the passage of tankers passing through well below one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. To complicate matters, of late Trump has ordered a US naval blockade of vital Iranian ports.

Consequently, it has been estimated in the media that more than 60 percent of Americans now blame Trump for the ongoing surge in gas prices. Meanwhile, according to a new NPR/PBS/Marist poll,  more than 80 percent of the public say pump prices are having a devastating effect on their finances. The average price is almost doubled, since the prewar level. This is apart from increases shown by other related supplies like fertilisers and daily essential consumer items. Eventually, the whole world is implicated as the situation remains uncertain, and most are more than aware of the danger posed by the  looming oil crisis. Hence, the war needs to come to an end sooner!

Unfortunately, the “ceasefire” mediated involving all the parties, are experiencing frequent “violations” even until today, especially in Lebanon! A joint report by Action Against Hunger, Insecurity Insight, and Oxfam warns that Israel's destruction of Lebanon’s water infrastructure during the conflict coupled with ongoing attacks, has left entire communities reliant on expensive, often unsafe, alternatives, threatening public health, livelihoods, and long-term recovery. The concern has now embraced as well. For example, a report, ‘When Bombs Turn the Taps Off’, documents devastating immediate and long-term impacts of repeated Israeli strikes on water systems since October 2023. It estimates that at least 150,000 people across the south still lack running water, with more than 30 villages completely disconnected from public supply networks.

The country’s Litani River, often cited as a demarcation point for attack by Israel, has brought an additional  factor into the equation in terms of water security. It is now “threatening agriculture, electricity production and domestic water supplies” as a result of water resource scarcity that must be strictly rationed, if at all. To top this, several other rivers across Lebanon have undergone severe drought, resulting in the worst water shortage ever over several decades. One example, the Hasbani River, which farmers rely on, has dried up their lands, suffocated crops, with the production cycle of their agriculture overall being heavily disrupted to irrigate fields and crops. According to the 2025 annual report issued by the Litani River Authority which oversees Lebanon’s largest river and operates under the Ministry of Energy, the country’s water deficit is broadening each year. The on-going war, despite the ceasefire, is an extra burden. Of late, “an irrigation pond in Shebaa turned red after Israelis threw something in it. The Lebanese government tested the water and found that it now contains dangerous germs and pollutants, making it unfit for use, whether for irrigating crops or water livestock”. 

All these are clear indications of how water crisis is emerging alongside the “oil” crisis, though it is less spoken of. Countries like Malaysia and its neighbours are no exception given the worsening climate crisis leading to higher temperatures, causing greater evaporation of available water resources and reducing the soil’s ability to retain moisture. States like Penang is more vulnerable, where water insecurity is now facing even higher risk. While, in neighbouring Thailand, Bangkok was Thailand’s hottest area  with a heat index of 50.2 degree C, according to the Thai Meteorological Department. The Thai capital’s south-eastern Bang Na district topped the forecast five hottest places in the country as the hot season gripped Thailand. The dangers of heatstroke during Thailand’s hot season were underlined last week when one politician-tycoon, 54, died of the condition. In other words, nothing can be taken for granted.

It is with this in mind that “Tha Rain Rave Music Festival 2026” naively organised as part of a mega-tourist attraction is a farce. Allegedly the large amount of water "wasted" is being question in the context of sustainable development Agenda 2030, let alone global water crisis, regionally and locally. It is well known, for example that Klang Valley in general has long been looking for lasting solutions to its current water woes, making any wasteful water festivities of sort in any quantity as mere hypocritical rhythm of culture. Faking "rain" to boost the VMY 2026 is deceitful whenit comes out of out of mechanical water cannons in the wet zone.  The use of the word “Rain” is no doubt dishonest, involving “dishonest” politics and politicians who are out to grab millions at the expense of VMY 2026. What a demeaning way to launch VMY in contradiction to the plegde SDG Agenda where Sustainble Tourist should have been the grand theme! Especially SDG 6: to ensure univeral access to safe and affordable drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene while promoting sustainable water management worldwide, including the war torn communities. The so-called Rave is therefore totally irrelevant!