KUALA LUMPUR – Tourist hotspot Langkawi could be rebranded to be more “Muslim-friendly” to differentiate it from holiday islands in neighbouring nations, said Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan (Batu Sapi-GRS).
He told the Dewan Rakyat Malaysia’s tourist spots must focus on “niche sectors”, with each state developing unique offerings to achieve competitiveness.
“It might be very difficult for Langkawi to be a worthy competitor among islands from our neighbouring countries.
“We might position Langkawi as a preferred Muslim destination so that it is more oriented towards family, recreation and spiritual (values).
“There’s no need for every state (attraction) to do the same thing as each state must play their own role.
“Competitiveness will be affected (if states opt for similar tourism strategies),” Khairul told the Dewan Rakyat today.
He said this when responding to a supplementary question from DAP lawmaker Teresa Kok (Seputeh-PH) on whether the ministry’s efforts to draw foreign tourists have been affected by strict policies in certain states on dressing and alcohol consumption.
In her question, Kok referenced supposed policies against “drinking and wearing shorts” as well as “strict attire codes”, querying how the ministry plans on attracting tourists to states with such policies.
After her question drew a round of audible jeers from members in the lower House, Khairul stressed that based on the ministry’s discussion with various state administrations, such issues are not a pressing matter.
“I would like to clearly inform the Dewan that as of now, whenever we go to visit states to do shows and hold engagement sessions with state governments, (it was found that) what (Kok) brought up is actually in a controlled and good condition.
“I appeal against bringing up matters which are actually not a serious issue in our country,” he added.
This is not the first time Kok has raised the issue of dress codes as she had previously interjected Bersatu MP Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah’s (Langkawi-PN) debate on the national budget to ask if one could wear a pair of shorts to Langkawi’s beach.
Previously, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (Bintulu-GPS) said his ministry received complaints from non-Muslim tourists alleging they were restricted from wearing shorts and drinking alcohol in Langkawi.
However, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor later said there were no laws imposed to prohibit the wearing of shorts and alcohol consumption in the island.
He also said that tourists in Langkawi are free to enjoy their time on the island as long as they remain modest and adhere to cultural norms.
Langkawi was made a duty-free island in 1987 under the administration of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as part of moves to develop the northern island as a tourism destination. – June 24, 2024