00:00Claims that Langkawi is declining as a tourist attraction under past rule compared to Ipoh
00:07have been dismissed by two tourism industry players as unjust. Langkawi Business Association
00:13Advisor Alexander Isaac and Malaysian Tourism Federation President Tan Kok Piang said the two
00:19destinations serve different market niches. They said Langkawi's attractions, including its myths
00:27offer a unique travel experience, while Ipoh's distinct charm and strategic location
00:32makes it a popular choice for short trips. FMT columnist Faisal Tehrani had commented in an
00:39article that Langkawi has declined under the past administration citing issues such as irregular
00:45ferry services, while Ipoh is flourishing as a tourist destination. Isaac, who also heads
00:51Tropical Charter Sindram Berhad, pointed out that only the government can resolve these issues
00:56and must find ways to address them. Meanwhile, the Kedah chapter of the Malaysian Association
01:02of Hotels said Faisal's observations are spot on and urged the state government to clarify
01:07its stance on how it wants to position Langkawi as a tourist destination. Chairman Eugene Das
01:14said Langkawi should position itself as a duty-free island to attract both local and
01:19international tourists.
