CYBERJAYA: A proposal to fully restore Langkawi’s duty-free status will be reviewed as part of efforts to revive the island’s economy, says the Prime Minister.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the proposal deserved close scrutiny as Langkawi’s status as a top tourist destination has somewhat diminished.
“I have asked Finance Minister II (Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan) to look into it comprehensively,” he told reporters after attending Friday prayers at Surau Bomba here yesterday.
Anwar said the Federal Government is exploring ways to revive the island, as rising costs have affected its appeal even among domestic tourists.
He also thanked Sultan of Kedah, Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah for raising the matter.
Sultan Sallehuddin, in his royal address at the opening of the Kedah Legislative Assembly on Monday, asked the Federal Government to fully restore Langkawi’s duty-free status to jump-start its tourism sector and 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.
Under Budget 2026, the Federal Government began imposing duties on cigarettes and other tobacco products brought into Langkawi, and restricted vehicle tax exemption on vehicles purchased on the island to those valued under RM300,000.
On a separate matter, Anwar defended his suggestion for the cleaning of school toilets, explaining that it was meant to inculcate civic responsibility among the young.
He called on parents to support the initiative in order to help nurture a sense of humility in children.
The idea sparked a heated discussion on social media platforms, with mixed reactions from parents.
Anwar said none of the young will be exempted from the task, even if they come from privileged families.
“Every single one of them has a responsibility. We use the toilet (and) we clean it.
“I don’t see why this is complicated and I urge parents to cooperate,” he said.
“Do not teach children to think that cleaning toilets is a (shameful) task, only meant for the cleaners.
“This will imply a class division in our society.”
