DAP national chairman Lim Guan Eng says it is necessary for Deputy Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan to revise and backtrack on his announcement to restore confidence in the Langkawi travel industry.
“Limiting Langkawi to niche sectors, such as the Muslim market, would be counterproductive by depriving itself of the non-Muslim tourism market,” he said in a statement today.Lim, who is also the former Penang chief minister, pointed out that Langkawi is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation Global Geopark and a key destination for European, Indian, and Chinese tourists, who are mainly non-Muslims.
Lim reminded that hampering Langkawi in such a manner would undo the commendable work by Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, who has thus far successfully promoted Malaysia as a tourist destination with increased tourist arrivals and spending.