Malaysian Govt Regards Langkawi As Jewel - Minister

LANGKAWI (Malaysia), Dec 5 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian government views the legendary island of Langkawi as a jewel and would ensure a comprehensive development to ensure it remains a tourist attraction said Defence Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said the development of Langkawi would be carried out through Perbadanan Pembangunan Langkawi (LADA) to provide infrastructure like roads, airport, jetty, drainage, water and electricity. “Roads in Langkawi, spanning around the island for about 200km, is among the best when compared with islands from other countries," he said during a meet the people session at the Aishah Mosque in Sungai Menghulu, Kuah in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (Lima) exhibition. Zahid said such facilities had helped increase the number of tourists to Langkawi and based on statistics, tourists arrivals was 1,810,460 in 2000, 1,835,287 in (2005) and increased to 2,303,098 in 2008. “The excellent increase in tourist arrivals shows that Langkawi remains a preferred destination for tourists," he said. He added that apart from LIMA, Langkawi also hosted many other international events like the International Paintball Championship, Langkawi International Regatta, Le Tour De Langkawi and Ironman Triathlon to boost tourism. Zahid said LIMA, initiated by former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, would continue to remain an integral event in Langkawi since it would help lift the income of local residents. However, he urged hotel owners and travel agents to avoid charging exorbitant prices for rooms during such events because it may tarnish the image of the island and prevent tourists from choosing Langkawi as their holiday destination. -- BERNAMA