KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — The Langkawi Development Authority (Lada), together with the Second Finance Minister and Kedah Menteri Besar, is finding ways to make holidays in Langkawi more affordable for Malaysians, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.
Anwar said the move came after concerns were raised about the high cost of food, accommodation and other services on the island, which could be driving Malaysians to spend their vacations abroad instead.
“This also serves as a reminder to travel agents and restaurants, because in Langkawi we’ve received concerns that costs including food, accommodation and other expenses are rather high.
“Lada, co-chaired by the Second Finance Minister and the Kedah Menteri Besar, has held discussions to find ways to reduce and lower these costs, because if prices remain high, it will lessen Langkawi’s appeal,” he told the Dewan Rakyat during Prime Minister’s Question Time.
He said that while Langkawi remains more attractive and cleaner compared to Phuket, its higher costs make it less appealing to domestic tourists.
“When studies were done comparing Langkawi and Phuket, Langkawi came out on top for cleanliness and natural beauty. But the problem is the higher cost,” he said.
Anwar was responding to a supplementary question from Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah Wee Tse, who had asked why so many Malaysians from northern states like Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu were choosing to travel to Thailand despite the stronger Thai baht.
“That’s why we are giving a RM1,000 spending incentive for those who spend within the country,” Anwar said.
In his budget speech last Friday, Anwar announced that Malaysians will enjoy up to RM1,000 tax relief on their individual income tax for entrance fees to local tourism attractions and cultural programmes.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, said this tax relief is to encourage Malaysians to travel within the country, in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
