CYBERJAYA: The calls to review and restore Langkawi’s duty-free status are being studied as part of efforts to revive the island’s economy, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the proposal for the review needs close attention as Langkawi's position as a top tourist destination has diminished slightly.
"I have asked Finance Minister II (Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan) to look into it," he told reporters after prayers at the Surau Bomba here on Friday (April 17).
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the government is also looking at other ways to restore Langkawi's lustre, because costs there have become relatively high.
This in turn has reduced its appeal even among domestic tourists, he added.
"This means we are prepared to review the matter, and we convey our appreciation to His Royal Highness the Sultan of Kedah.
"We will study it carefully. In fact, this has been on our list for some time, but given the increasing calls for it, we must examine it thoroughly," he added.
On Monday (April 13), the Kedah Ruler asked the Federal Government to fully restore Langkawi’s duty-free status to jump-start the tourism sector and the island’s economy.
Some of the changes, including taxation on vehicles and tobacco-based products, have eroded the allure of Langkawi as the country’s main tourism destination, the Sultan said.
His Royal Highness made the call in his speech at the opening of the Kedah State Legislative Assembly’s first meeting of the fourth term at Wisma Darul Aman in Alor Setar.
