KUALA LUMPUR – DAP lawmaker Chong Zhemin (Kampar-PH) has suggested transforming Langkawi into the country’s fourth federal territory, under the purview of the federal government.
In today’s Dewan Rakyat sitting, the lawmaker made this recommendation as part of an initiative to rejuvenate the ailing tourism industry of the resort island, particularly in the wake of purported restrictions placed on the sale of alcohol to non-Muslim tourists.
Chong’s discussion on Langkawi’s tourism sector inadvertently provoked Mohd Hasnizan Harun (Hulu Selangor-PN), who immediately rose in opposition.
“You are implying that Langkawi is solely governed by the Kedah state government. But where does the tourism ministry fit into this equation? Shouldn’t they be addressing this matter?” Hasnizan queried.
Chong then clarified that despite the existence of a tourism ministry capable of addressing the issues affecting Langkawi’s tourism, the state government wields substantial authority.
He proceeded to question why some non-Muslim travellers are prohibited from wearing shorts on the beach or purchasing alcohol. This led to Mohd Hasnizan shouting, “They must respect the rights of Muslims. We are simply safeguarding those rights.”
This exchange triggered a brief verbal altercation between the two, which was eventually resolved by Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
Chong further elaborated that non-Muslim tourists in Langkawi should be permitted to purchase alcohol, considering the restrictions they face. He highlighted the fact that, as of today, with Deepavali fast approaching, only 10% of 3-star hotels on the island are booked.
“The state government has yet to offer any solutions to revive the tourism sector. The local tourism industry is suffering as businesses are losing out,” Chong lamented.
“I have a suggestion here, to put Langkawi directly under the federal government’s purview, as the fourth federal territory after Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan.
“If the federal government can do so, I believe that the Langkawi tourism scene will prosper again.”
In late September, Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, said that he had received reports of certain government officials allegedly acting like “little Napoleons” harassing tourists over dress codes and alcohol consumption in Langkawi.
In response, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor clarified that there were no existing laws in place to restrict the wearing of shorts or the consumption of alcohol on the island. – November 8, 2023