THE Dewan Rakyat was told today that Langkawi was being positioned as a “preferred Muslim destination” for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said the island wished to be known as a family-friendly and spiritual tourism spot
“We admit that Langkawi may struggle to compete with other islands in the region and our strategy is to position it as a preferred Muslim destination. We want to make it more family-oriented and focused on spiritual aspects,” he told the house.
Teresa Kok (Seputeh-PH) asked if tourists would be allowed to wear shorts and drink alcohol in Langkawi.
Khairul dismissed the matter as "trivial".
"We have met state governments which enforce such rules and found that the situation is well under control. There is no need to look into such trivial matters," he said.
Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (Langkawi-PN) brought up the matter of pollution, which he said was out of control on land and in the sea surrounding Langkawi. He urged the government to intensify efforts to clean up the waters.
"I am unsure which ministry is responsible for this," he said.
In response, Khairul said minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has directed his office government to promote Langkawi as one of the top islands for a holiday in Malaysia.
"We can organise volunteer programmes with the ministry to help clean up the beaches," he added. – June 24, 2024.
