Langkawi's Dilemma In Becoming World's Top Tourist Destination

By Kamarul Ariffin Md Yassin This is the first of three features on Langkawi, Malaysia's premier resort island. LANGKAWI (Kedah, Malaysia), Feb 5 (Bernama) -- The Langkawi resort island, which gained duty-free status in 1987, has become among Malaysia's and the region’s top tourist destination. Langkawi owes its successful transformation into a shopping and a tourist haven to former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who was instrumental in the development of the island. People claim that after Dr Mahathir stepped down as prime minister in 2003, this formerly idyllic island has not undergone proper development. There are claims of teething issues that may have impacts on the island's tourism industry. Are such claims true? HAVEN FOR TOURISTS Langkawi, rich in natural beauty, is known for the Mahsuri legend and the curse she placed on seven generations of perpetrators that caused her death. People are unsure as to whether the curse had any effect. Today, Langkawi has become one of the most popular tourist spots in the world. Since 2010, the number of foreign tourists has surpassed the number of Malaysian tourists. Before 1987, Langkawi was an ordinary island with a fishing settlement in Kedah. Today, it is a district in Kedah and a parliamentary constituency. Langkawi is part of an archipelago of 99 islands and only two islands are inhabited - Langkawi and Tuba. LOCALS AND OUTSIDERS Langkawi's transformation into a top tourist destination has resulted in an influx of Malaysians from the mainland to this island. These 'outsiders' have started many businesses on the resort island, including hotels, tourism agencies and car hire companies. Locals are also leasing their land to foreigners who are keen on establishing businesses on this island. A community activist, Adnan Hassan, 42, said locals are finding it difficult to compete with outsiders in businesses on this duty-free island. "Most of the traders in Langkawi are outsiders. The Langkawi folks only receive a small portion of the economic cake. Locals had a culture shock when Langkawi started developing rapidly. Something needs to be done about this," he told Bernama. Adnan, from Kampung Temonyong, here claimed the robust development resulted in large acres of land falling into the hands of outsiders, including foreigners. IDENTITY Adnan who is also a tourist guide disagreed that development in Langkawi should be similar to that in other tourist destinations like the Australian Gold Coast, Bali or resort islands in Thailand. "Langkawi needs its own identity. Not everytime when the management team of Lada (Langkawi Development Authority) changes, the pattern of development changes too. In 1990, the team came up with the Langkawi Structural Draft 2030 but that changed several times. The latestis the Langkawi Tourism Blueprint 2011-2015," he said. Adnan claimed that much funds was needed to rectify projects that were not properly implemented. HIGH COST IN LANGKAWI Adnan said the high costs at tourist spots here are posing problems for Langkawi to compete with Bali and Thai resort islands as the costs there are cheaper. "Even Japanese resort islands are cheaper than Langkawi. This is because our system provides commission to those who bring in tourists and hence, there is inflation,” he said. Meanwhile, Nordin Anwar who is a manager at Langkawi Fair Complex, a shopping mall here said Langkawi is known as a duty-free haven but goods available on the island are expensive. "Only five goods are cheap - cigarettes, glassware, chocolates, liquor and cars. "Electrical appliances, hand phones and computers are supposed to be cheap but they are expensive. Several foreign tourists said these goods are cheaper in their home countries," he said. NO DIRECT FLIGHTS TO AND FROM EUROPE Travel agents face many issues from March to July as not many tourists visit Langkawi during these months despite Langkawi having many attractive places. The Langkawi Tourism Association’s deputy chairman, Phisol Ishak, said Langkawi is able to attract many tourists, but several issues have to be resolved first. "There are not many direct flights from other nations to Malaysia, except from Singapore. Phuket has many direct flights to and from Europe,” he said. Phisol said although Langkawi has more attractions than Bali and Thai resort islands, international connectivity is poor. SEASONAL TOURISTS Since tourists visit Langkawi during certain months, hotels have to depend on events organised by government agencies for revenue. "Hotels are usually fully-booked during school and public holidays as well as on weekends. On weekdays, the occupancy rate is normal. Usually, locals stay for three days. Foreigners stay in Langkawi for more than three days," said the adviser for the Baron Group of Companies, Abd Manaf Majid. "Ten years ago, before Pantai Cenang (Cenang Beach) became famous, Pantai Kok (Kok Beach) was a popular tourist destination. After Lada took over the area for upgrading, the beach lost its shine and popularity. "Many did not like going there. Too good for Malaysians," he said. The Baron Group has six hotels, resorts and motels in Kuah and Pantai Cenang. -- BERNAMA