Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) to come up with ways to reduce the cost of holidays in Langkawi, making the island more affordable for local tourists.
According to Free Malaysia Today, Anwar said LADA’s co-chairpersons, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan and Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, have been instructed to discuss measures that can make vacationing in Langkawi less costly and more attractive for Malaysians.
LADA will find ways to reduce vacation costs
Anwar noted that while Langkawi boasts cleaner beaches and more beautiful natural attractions compared to nearby destinations like Phuket, the high cost of accommodation and travel has discouraged many locals from holidaying there.
LADA will find ways to reduce vacation costs in Langkawi because the island won’t attract many tourists if it’s too expensive,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat.
He added that the government is also studying ways to make domestic tourism more appealing, following reports that an increasing number of Malaysians are choosing to travel abroad, especially to southern Thailand during long weekends.
Last month, about 200,000 Malaysians spent nearly RM50 million on shopping and leisure activities in Thailand during the Malaysia Day holidays, a trend Anwar said highlights the need to strengthen local tourism competitiveness.
