LANGKAWI – The travel trade community which dominates the workforce on the holiday island of Langkawi is watching the ongoing Kedah state election with a sceptical eye, hoping that the successful candidates understand and act on the leisure industry’s difficulties and needs.
Veteran tourism practitioner Ahmad Pishol Isahak said that there is a need to be wary about voting candidates who make promises but later fail to fulfil them – especially when tourism, the main economic driver, is now reeling due to inflation and the after-effects of the pandemic.
He hopes that the candidates who will ultimately clinch victory can focus on critical problems that are undermining the island’s ability to flourish as one of the better tourism destinations.
He cited the issue of returning the ferry services to their normal schedule of at least six daily trips between the island and the mainland jetties at Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis.
The sea link to Penang has also been ended and needs to be urgently revived.
The candidates must also find the courage to tell the tourism authorities the truth about the industry instead of sugar coating their dealings with the relevant authorities, he added
“We want candidates who understand what hotel occupancies are about and what sort of promotions are needed,” said Pishol in an interview.
The island, which by itself is a parliamentary constituency, has two state seats – Ayer Hangat which is seeing a four-cornered fight, and Kuah which is seeing a battle of three.
In Ayer Hangat, Hisham Suhaily Othman, head of Langkawi Wanita Umno, is defending the seat while representing Barisan Nasional (BN).
She faces stiff challenges mounted by Shamsilah Siru of Perikatan Nasional (PN), and independents Safwan Hanif Shafie dan Zulfadli Mohd Yusof.
The Kuah seat will see a battle between PKR’s Ahmad Fauzi Chik, representing Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Bersatu’s Amar Pared Mahamud, representing PN.
Call for dialogue with industry
Travel agent Eric R. Sinnaya also expressed that he wants candidates who understand the need to promote eco-tourism in order to take tourism to another level where conservation and preservation efforts are treasured.
He said both candidates must hold dialogues with the travel trade community to understand issues afflicting the industry.
Inroads in the industry are now neutralised by the rise of inflation and an acute shortage of workers due to uneven economic growth.
“It shows that we are unable to pay attractive wages because we are not earning much.”
It is worse for those catering to budget travellers because the margin of profits is reduced and they cannot afford to overcharge tourists lest they be accused of profiteering, said Sinnaya.
These are real issues challenging the well-being of tourism so those elected to serve should be aware, said Sinnaya. – The Vibes, August 10, 2023
