GEORGE TOWN – The tourism industry has been rattled by Kedah’s PAS-led state government for suggesting that the sale of alcohol would be controlled on the resort island of Langkawi, following its move to shut down gaming outlets in the state.
Its leaders have warned that any move to ban liquor will deter tourists from the island, which is a major contributor to Kedah’s economy.
The Kedah chapter of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) is hoping for clarification over the remarks linked to Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
The chapter hopes to discuss the matter with the state to ensure a win-win status can emerge in the new year for the tourism industry.
“Like it or not, alcohol is part of the attraction that pulls international tourists to Langkawi. It is a concept of a duty-free island in the first place. Langkawi should be leveraging off it rather than hampering it,” said chapter chairman Eugene Dass.
The restriction could be imposed for those not allowed to consume the beverages, but it is not right to stop others who are entitled to it, he added.
“Resorts in the beach area, especially the major hospitality brands, rely on the international market.
“This idea of the state government does not seem to support hoteliers and may discourage more major hotel investors from coming. This undercuts the employment opportunities for a sizable number of the population in Langkawi.”
Tourism veteran Eric R. Sinnaya said the leisure lifestyle is an industry that cannot be done half-heartedly, as it is a competitive industry.
“Either we promote and manage it in the right way, or we do not have any tourism activities in the first place.”
All countries have their tourism assets, but as long as it is not done immorally to an extent it becomes a social ill, tourism should be allowed to flourish as it generates income for the people and the authorities, said Sinnaya.
Sanusi had said on Sunday that local authorities have been instructed to monitor the relevant premises to ensure that no illegal business is being conducted.
“All of their licences have expired by December 31 and will no longer be renewed,” he had said.
On November 14 last year, Sanusi announced that the PAS-led Kedah government would neither issue new licences nor renew existing ones for gambling businesses including all 4D lottery businesses in the state.
He added that the state government would restrict the sale of alcohol in public, including on the duty-free tourist island of Langkawi as well as in rural areas on the mainland.
Yesterday PAS Ulama Council chief Datuk Ahmad Yahya said that the current federal government should have the political will to emulate Kedah in ceasing all issuance and renewal of gambling licences beginning this year.
Focus should be on poverty eradication, employment
Meanwhile, Penang PKR members claimed that Sanusi, who is a state PAS leader, may be politicising the gambling issue in his obsession to defend the state in the next election, although the priority should be on governance and growing the economy.
“It should not be just playing morality police. Discriminating against minorities to play hero to the majority will not get the state anywhere.
“Focusing on individual sins is not going to put food on the table of the needy, especially with the global economic challenges out there. Kedah must get their priorities right,” said a PKR leader.
He said that Kedah, just like Penang, is dependent on foreign investors. “What message is the state telling investors in manufacturing and tourism, especially those keen to holiday in Langkawi?
“Such remarks (by Sanusi) will definitely disrupt tourism just when the industry is coming back.”
Penang PKR Legal Bureau head Jason Ong Khan Lee said that both gaming and alcohol consumption are strictly for non-Muslims.
“Kedah should focus on ensuring that no Muslim patronises such premises and I think hardly any Muslims are doing such sinful acts. The basis is to allow non-Muslims the freedom to conduct their activities, which is governed under the federal constitution.”
As long as they do not end up breaking the law, causing a public nuisance and allowing it to be excessive until it disrupts public order, gaming and entertainment outlets should be allowed to continue in Kedah under close monitoring, he said.
Ong urged Kedah to focus on areas such as poverty eradication and offering major employment because many Kedahans end up working in neighbouring Penang.
“They can also ensure no Muslims are engaging in sinful activities but do not do it until it disrupts the lives of non-Muslims. We live in a tolerant society.” – The Vibes, January 3, 2023
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