KUALA LUMPUR – An appeal by Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (Langkawi-PN) for the government to help “save” Langkawi from declining tourism was pooh-poohed by Teresa Kok (Seputeh-PH) in Parliament today.
Kok, who is DAP vice-chairman, insinuated that the state government led by PAS has itself to blame for the island’s recent drop in tourist arrivals, due to the implementation of strong restrictions.
“Langkawi is in Kedah, and the state government there has banned concerts and alcohol. How do you expect foreign tourists to come and visit Langkawi?” she asked.
She said this when interjecting Suhaimi while the latter was debating Budget 2023 for the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry at the committee stage.
Suhaimi had earlier pointed out that Langkawi’s economy has been seriously impacted by a drop in tourist arrivals.
This, he said, has hit various businesses financially – including car and boat rentals, food and beverage operators, as well as homestays, hotels, and chalets.
“What is the ministry’s recovery strategy to help save Langkawi?” he had asked.
In response to Kok’s remark, Suhaimi said he had already expected that the issue would be played up, and refused to respond to the question posed by the DAP lawmaker.
Previously in October last year, Kedah had announced it would no longer allow open-air concerts in the state.
Kedah Tourism, Arts, and Culture executive councillor Mohd Firdaus Ahmad said the decision was made following discussions with Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor during an executive council meeting.
On January 11 this year, Sanusi said Kedah would regulate the sale of alcohol in non-Muslim populated districts.
He was quoted as saying that alcohol sales are allowed in these areas but only at permitted premises, and cannot be sold openly in areas such as villages. – The Vibes, March 21, 2023
