LANGKAWI – What was once the pride of Langkawi overlooking the Andaman Sea has been largely reduced to ashes and left abandoned following a blaze early this year.
Nestled within a 150 million-year-old forest, The Andaman, boasting 186 suites, was a picture-perfect resort constructed in the 1990s without the major felling of trees, built to coexist with nature.
The luxury retreat managed by the Marriott Group may see a revival, but only after investigations into the fire are completed.
A Marriott marketing team spokesman said owner Landmarks Bhd has plans to rebuild the property and remains committed to the process.
The Malaysian Association of Hotels’ Kedah and Perlis chapter chairman Eugene Dass said he was made to understand that some 300 workers were asked to leave as the resort had to be shut.
Marriott’s welfare fund has raised up to RM180,000 to address the staff’s needs.
Meanwhile, Langkawi Malaysian Nature Society chairman Eric R. Sinnaya said the benefit of the doubt should be given to the operator, as speculation swirls on the cause of the fire.
“What’s important is that the rebuilding of the resort must adopt best practices to keep the surrounding nature intact.”
Veteran tourism player Ahmad Pishol Ishak said The Andaman’s closure is a sad chapter, given that it was regarded as one of the holiday island’s top resorts.
He suggested that it rehire workers when it reopens as part of efforts to revive Langkawi’s fortunes, which have been significantly undermined by the Covid-19 pandemic.
At the height of The Andaman's popularity, it hosted Hollywood stars including Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh, Formula One racers, world leaders and royalty.
On January 12, a fire gutted the resort’s lobby and kitchen areas, even bringing down parts of the roof. It reportedly broke out in the kitchen about 4pm, and quickly spread to other parts of the property due to its timber structures and strong winds.
About 60 firefighters and volunteers took 25 hours to douse the flames. Their efforts were hindered by limited fire hydrants and water resources, and they had to drain water from swimming pools, the sea and the resort’s pipes.
The blaze destroyed some 80% of the property. – The Vibes, May 1, 2021
