BOOST FOR TOURISM

5 projects will draw more tourists, says Lada CEO

THE RM1.3 billion allocation announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for Langkawi’s development will boost residents’ standard of living and the island’s tourism sector.

Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) chief executive officer Datuk Azizan Noordin said the allocation, which would be used to upgrade facilities, would boost tourists’ confidence in visiting the island.

This, he said, would complement efforts made by Lada, which had set a target of five million visitors to the island by 2020.

“For example, the RM600 million allocation for water catchment facilities in Padang Matsirat will complement our proposal to increase the number of hotel rooms to 1,500 for hotels with three to five-star ratings.

“The government’s effort to develop medical tourism in Langkawi is also a great boost to our tourism sector,” he said.

Langkawi Tourism Association chief executive officer Zainudin Kadir said the allocation could help draw more visitors to the island.

“The allocation came at the right time. About 90 per cent of the residents here are involved in the tourism industry, so the allocation is a huge blessing for us.”

Zainudin was commenting on the allocation for five development projects on the island.

The allocation will be used for water catchment projects, upgrading Langkawi Hospital, as well as construction of a fire station, quarters and roads.

Zainudin said the most critical aspect of the allocation was upgrading the main road along the Pulapol airport roundabout.

“The RM50 million allocation for the project will solve congestion in the area.”

Langkawi Business Association vice-president Datuk Issac Alexander said the projects would boost the income of traders.

“As an association that represents some 2,000 members, we are happy with the announcement.

“It is not just traders, but also the people, as well as fishermen, who will benefit from the allocation.”