TOURISM players in Langkawi have called for better safety standards after two youngsters died while participating in a tourism-related event.
Heeding the call by Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Langkawi Businesses Association deputy president Datuk Issac Alexander said the safety of tourists should always be of paramount importance.
Recently, a son of a local entrepreneur passed away when he fell and was hit by an oncoming car near Padang Matsirat.
Low Beng Seng, aged 28 died instantly from head injuries in the incident.
He was participating in a 68km cycling event when he fell and was hit by the car.
Those in the industry have questioned the safety levels, as there were no traffic marshals deployed during the race.
A few days ago, a 30-year-old tourist from India died from a blood clot after injuring himself while on an ATV quad motor bike.
He rode the off-road vehicle and lost control before colliding with a Tenaga Nasional Bhd pole in Langkawi.
After a post-mortem in Alor Setar, Kedah, hid body was sent back to Chennai, India, accompanied by the victim's father.
Alexander said that with the Visit Malaysia 26 campaign beginning soon, it is important for the travel trade community to uphold the safety and security of tourists.
Tiong during a dialogue session in Penang, reminded travel practitioners of the importance in safeguarding Malaysia's reputation as a safe and secure destination.
This comes as the country is on track towards achieving a record of some 45 million tourist arrivals this year. - September 18, 2025.
