ALOR SETAR: The government’s willingness to review proposals to restore Langkawi’s full duty-free status reflects its concern and commitment to revitalising the economy of the resort island, says the Langkawi Tourism Industry Players Association (PPIPL).
Welcoming the move, its chairman Raseli Yahya said it is a positive signal that the government remains committed to ensuring Langkawi retains its standing as one of the country’s premier tourism destinations.
“We appreciate Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s concern in recognising the current challenges faced by Langkawi’s tourism industry, including rising operating costs and declining appeal among domestic tourists,” he said in a statement yesterday, as reported by Bernama.
Raseli also expressed appreciation for the call by the Sultan of Kedah, Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, which sparked renewed discussion on the matter.
He described the synergy between national leadership and the royal institution as significant in shaping the best solution for the people and the industry.
He said the association views the review as a timely step and hopes it will also consider measures to strengthen Langkawi’s competitiveness, including costs, tourist experience and the sustainability of the local economy.
“We are fully committed to working with ministries and relevant agencies by providing industry input and field data to support the evaluation process.
“We hope the outcome will lead to strategic measures that can accelerate the recovery of Langkawi’s tourism sector,” he said.
Langkawi was declared a duty-free island on Jan 1, 1987, helping transform it into one of Malaysia’s most popular shopping and holiday destinations.
However, on Jan 1, 2021, duties were imposed on cigarettes and tobacco products, meaning the island no longer enjoyed fully duty-free status.
Echoing the association’s view, Langkawi People’s Welfare Organisation adviser Nor Saidi Nanyan also welcomed the Prime Minister’s concern and hoped the review would include longstanding ferry service issues affecting the island.
“Basic issues such as inconsistent ferry services, limited schedules and passenger discomfort continue to affect the main link between Langkawi and Kuala Kedah as well as Kuala Perlis,” he said.
Kedah Tourism, Culture and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Salleh Saidin said restoring Langkawi’s full duty-free status would further boost tourism on the island.
He said the sector has shown positive recovery, with tourist arrivals last year surpassing three million for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.
