Langkawi has realised only half its potential, says Dr Mahathir
LANGKAWI: Nearly four decades after being declared a duty-free island, Langkawi has realised only about half its potential and risks falling behind competing regional tourist destinations, says former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has stated that Langkawi has only realised about half of its potential nearly four decades after being declared a duty-free island. He warned that if the island remains complacent, it risks falling behind competing regional tourist destinations.
Mahathir believes the development of Langkawi must continue with clear direction and policies, emphasising that the government should play a more active role in attracting investment to the island's tourism sector and economy. He argued that without heavy investment, fewer tourists will visit Langkawi, diminishing opportunities for major events and business growth for locals, especially in the food and services sectors.
The former premier stressed that Langkawi faces stiff competition from neighbouring countries and urged the island to take immediate action to maintain its position as a leading tourist destination. Mahathir, who played a pivotal role in transforming Langkawi into an international tourist hotspot, including securing its duty-free status in 1987, urged the younger generation to take responsibility for the island's future by gaining knowledge, working hard, and strengthening the tourism sector.
He expressed his concerns, saying he has limited time left and wants to leave this to the young people.
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