TOURIST numbers in Langkawi over the Malaysia Day long weekend have dropped between 30 and 39 per cent year-on-year, according to the Langkawi Tourism Association (LTA), marking one of the steepest holiday declines in recent years.
LTA Chief Executive Zainudin Kadir attributed the downturn to a combination of persistent transport issues, rising travel costs and growing interest in international destinations — particularly southern Thailand.
“Many are choosing destinations like Haadyai, where the offerings are more attractive and the cost of holidaying is much lower,” he said.
Zainudin pointed to ferry delays and limited availability as a critical issue frustrating tourists. “Unresolved problems with the ferry service continue to test the patience of travellers who are forced to alter or abandon their plans,” he added.
High flight prices have also become a deterrent, with many domestic travellers expressing concern over disproportionate return fares. “Imagine finding a cheap outbound ticket, only to be hit with a far more expensive fare for the journey home. It’s intimidating for local holidaymakers,” Zainudin said.
He also criticised what he described as weak domestic tourism promotion, arguing that the local industry is failing to fully tap into Malaysia’s internal market.
In response, the LTA will launch the Langkawi Mega Sales Tourism (LMST) campaign from 1 October to 31 December, featuring discounts of 15 to 60 per cent on tourism products and services, including food outlets, duty-free retailers, theme parks and water sports operators.
“The aim is to restore confidence and reposition Langkawi as a top domestic destination,” Zainudin said, adding that the association’s goal is to hit 3.5 million tourist arrivals by year-end, with 2.8 million recorded as of September.
He urged the federal government to prioritise support for Langkawi’s recovery through increased budget allocations and urgent fixes to basic infrastructure.
“Langkawi used to be a crown jewel of Malaysian tourism. We want to make sure it stays that way — but we need coordinated action now,” he said.
The slump mirrors broader travel trends. Recent media reports estimate that more than 100,000 Malaysians crossed into Thailand over the long weekend, spending upwards of RM130 million — a figure that signals shifting preferences among domestic travellers. - September 16, 2025
