Comparing Langkawi And Ipoh Like Pitting Apples Against Oranges

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There are concerns that the PAS government in Kedah may introduce a dress code that will also cover non-Muslims. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: Claims that Langkawi is declining as a tourist attraction under PAS rule compared with Ipoh has been dismissed by two tourism industry players as unjust.
They argue that both have their own attractions that would draw tourists.
On the other hand, a hotelier urged the Kedah state government to dispel concerns that there may be plans for a dress code and ban on alcoholic drinks that, he fears, could drive tourists away.
Langkawi Businesses Association advisor Alexander Isaac and Malaysian Tourism Federation president Tan Kok Liang told FMT it is unfair to compare Langkawi and Ipoh given that they serve different market niches.
They pointed out that Langkawi has its own attractions as well as myths and legends that offer a unique travel experience while Ipoh has quite a different allure to woo tourists.
Isaac noted that Perak has done “a great job” in promoting Ipoh, while its location almost midway between the north and south of the peninsula makes it a popular destination for a weekend or three-day visit.
Tan said both destinations are “doing quite well” on their own, and he credited the governments of Kedah and Perak respectively for actively working to attract targeted groups of tourists.
“Ipoh is doing quite well in promoting its food and beverages as well as cultural heritage, while Langkawi’s beautiful beaches are appealing to tourists from India, Europe and China looking to do water sports,” he pointed out.
FMT columnist Faisal Tehrani had, in his article Langkawi tutup kedai, Ipoh pula tumpuan pelancong, commented that the island resort has declined under the PAS administration while Ipoh is flourishing as a tourist destination.
Faisal cited several reasons for his claim on Langkawi’s diminishing attractiveness, such as irregular ferry services, the lack of a “bottom-up” approach to promoting tourism activities, and the local community becoming “lazy to work” since PAS took over the Kedah government.
Issac, who also heads Tropical Charters Sdn Bhd, acknowledged the island’s struggles with irregular ferry schedules and inflated airfares, but said Putrajaya played an equally vital role in the island’s development.
He said the issue of ferry schedules could only be addressed by the transport ministry while the federal government must find ways to lower the high airfares.
Issac also dismissed Faisal’s claim that locals were becoming more reluctant to work, saying it all depended on the training they received from their employers.
“Islanders think differently, so we have to train them. There are no issues about them being lazy. That’s not true.”
Issac also refuted the claim that the Jewel of Kedah is in decline, saying its recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic had been overshadowed by negative publicity, citing reports on a possible ban on the sale of alcoholic drinks and claims that non-Muslims are prohibited from wearing shorts.
Langkawi needs to make clear stand
However, the Kedah chapter of the Malaysian Association of Hotels said Faisal’s observations are spot on, and urged the state government to clarify its stance on how it wants to position Langkawi as a tourist destination.
“Is it still duty-free? Can a tourist wear shorts? Can alcohol be sold freely?” chairman Eugene Dass asked.
“I would rather Langkawi positions itself as a duty-free island again as this has in the past brought tourists, local and abroad, to the island. It will also bring back some of the business we are losing to our neighbours,” he added.
Dass said the state government plays a big role in slashing red tape, ensuring the ease of doing business, and preparing the right infrastructure for businesses to flourish, which in turn will bring in much-needed investments.
Last year, deputy tourism, arts and culture minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan proposed making Langkawi a niche holiday destination for Muslims, raising concerns about a potential alcohol ban and the introduction of a dress code on the island.
Tourism minister Tiong King Sing apologised for his deputy’s statement and said inclusivity was a key aspect of Putrajaya’s cultural tourism strategy. - FMT

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