Langkawi: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) is seeking to increase tourist arrivals to Langkawi through direct flights, following a reduction in ferry services by operators due to higher diesel prices. MOTAC secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot said the West Asia crisis, which began in February, has also affected the country's tourism sector, leading to a slight drop in tourist arrivals.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ministry has taken various steps, including increasing promotional efforts in countries not affected by the West Asia conflict, such as South Korea, Japan, Australia, China, and other ASEAN countries. MOTAC aims to position Langkawi as an international tourism hub by encouraging foreign tourists to fly directly to the island, including from Poland and other destinations currently being explored.
Datuk Shaharuddin noted that there has been a slight drop in tourist arrivals due to ticket cancellations from conflict-affected areas, particularly Dubai. However, the impact is not significant as relatively few Arab tourists come to Malaysia. He emphasized that the full impact on tourist arrivals will become clearer in the second quarter of the year.
MOTAC is also working closely with the Kedah state government to increase the number of major events and activities to attract more international tourists to Langkawi. The focus is also on domestic visitors to help revitalize the tourism sector on the resort island.
On April 20, several non-governmental organizations held a peaceful rally with hundreds of participants, calling on the government to intervene and resolve the issue of ferry service rationing. This reduction, from five to three trips a day since March 25, has been affecting the daily lives of residents who depend on tourism for their livelihood.
Anak Muda MADANI Kedah chairman Datuk Zuraidi Rahim highlighted that the cut in ferry services has led to a decline in tourist arrivals to Langkawi. He noted that the government has introduced a targeted bunker fuel surcharge, effective April 20, as a temporary measure to offset rising diesel costs. Zuraidi urged ferry operators to restore up to eight daily trips to boost tourist arrivals and ease travel for the public.