ALOR STAR – Langkawi will become a less tourist-friendly island if the ban on the sale of alcohol in public is implemented on the holiday island.
Malaysian Association of Hotels (Kedah and Perlis) chairman Eugene Dass said he did not see the relevance of the restriction, especially in tourist spots that have just restarted their businesses after being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Honestly, it will affect the tourism and hotel industries in Langkawi.
“In Langkawi, not everyone wants to spend their time shopping.
“What about the international tourists who will come starting tomorrow?
“Can you imagine Langkawi without alcohol?” he told The Vibes.
Earlier, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhamad Sanusi Md Nor announced that the state will neither issue new licences, nor renew existing ones for gambling effective immediately.
Sanusi, who is also state PAS deputy commissioner, said that apart from gambling licences, the state government will also restrict the sale of alcohol in public, including on the holiday island of Langkawi.
Liquor will only be allowed to be sold to non-Muslim consumers.
Dass said state governments need to think about the people’s economy before implementing new rules, especially when many are still struggling to survive during this time of pandemic.
Giving the example of Pulau Pangkor, Perak, which was also recognised as a tax-free island last year, he said, the island, however, could not attract many tourists because it only exempted tax on chocolate products.
“Do we want to be like Pulau Pangkor that only exempts tax on chocolate ? Look at Pangkor now.
“I hope the state government does not bother us. There are many more aspects that can be improved in Kedah such as floods, corruption, economic development, and so on.”
Dass also hopes that the state government can exempt the hotel industry from the ban on the sale of alcohol in public, as that is one of the industry’s main sources of income. – The Vibes, November 14, 2021
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