KUALA LUMPUR: Many Kedahans are choosing to travel to Hat Yai in Thailand over Langkawi, as vacations there are more affordable due to the alleged failure of the Kedah state government to promote local tourism, says a Kedah Puteri Umno delegate.
Sungai Petani Puteri Umno chief Shazwin Ishak said many Kedahans have expressed discontent with the PAS-led state government for its empty promises and failure to deliver.
"Even our locals prefer to travel to Thailand, especially Hat Yai, because it’s cheaper there.
"Meanwhile, in Langkawi, locals are burdened with unpredictable ferry schedules and soaring prices," she said while debating the Puteri Umno's policy speech at the World Trade Centre (WTC) here on Thursday (Jan 15).
She also said that the Kedah state government should be honest about the success of its "Visit Kedah Year 2025" campaign.
“Visit Kedah Year supposedly attracted seven million tourists to the state. But what is the reality on the ground today? The data does not lie!
"Based on reports up to September 2025, it shows that the tourism sector in Kedah’s gem, Langkawi, has declined by 39%.
"This is not slander, this is fact," she said.
Separately, she said Puteri Umno urged the relevant authorities to provide subsidised childcare centres in every industrial zone.
"Remember, this is not a luxury, it is an economic necessity. When women can work with peace of mind, productivity rises, and the state’s economy will grow as well," she said.
