KUALA LUMPUR – DAP’s Teresa Kok has criticised the Kedah state government for failing to harness Langkawi’s tourism potential, warning that the island is lagging behind its regional competitors despite international acclaim.
Referring to Kedah PAS leaders’ defence of the island’s 3.2 million visitors in 2025, the Seputeh MP tpok to Facebook, saying: “Looking at the figure in isolation may seem positive, but compared with regional rivals, it reveals a bitter reality: Langkawi is losing in Asean tourism due to poor governance.”
In contrast, Kok noted Phuket welcomed 12.74 million visitors between January and November 2025, with projections exceeding 13 million for the year.
She saud Bali recorded 33.56 million visitors, a jump of 17.16 million from the previous year. Langkawi’s growth, by comparison, was just 311,101.
Ironically, Langkawi was ranked second in Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Islands: Reader’s Choice Award 2025, ahead of Bali and Phuket.
Kok argued this demonstrates that while the island’s natural beauty is recognised globally, Kedah PAS has failed to convert acclaim into actual tourist arrivals.
Federal versus state responsibility
Kok dismissed claims by Kedah PAS that Langkawi’s promotion falls under the federal agency LADA.
“Langkawi is under Kedah’s jurisdiction. Is the state government only interested in collecting revenue without promoting it?” she asked.
She also criticised Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor for appearing in films instead of leading efforts to attract tourists.
“If he truly wants to attract Muslim tourists, show creative campaigns—leaders and ulama enjoying Langkawi’s beaches in traditional attire, or highlighting family-friendly Muslim tourism,” she said.
The Rain Rave Festival example
Kok linked the island’s stagnation to PAS’s wider resistance to entertainment-focused tourism, pointing to the Rain Rave Water Music Festival 2026 in Bukit Bintang, which drew 180,000 attendees and generated RM200 million for local businesses.
The festival faced opposition from Islamic authorities, including JAWI, the Federal Territories Mufti Department, and MAIWP, who argued it promoted hedonism and clashed with cultural norms. PAS leaders supported these views, calling for stricter regulation.
Kok countered that tourism is a “smoke-free industry” capable of boosting the economy. “Imagine if RM200 million in economic impact was channelled to Langkawi. Hotels, restaurants, and taxis would thrive,” she said, warning that PAS’s moral policing risks stifling growth.
She praised Tourism Minister Tiong King Sing for actively promoting Malaysia’s tourism sector, contrasting his initiatives with Kedah’s inaction.
Urging PAS to stop “minding other people’s business,” Kok called on the state to focus on practical strategies for economic development.
“Langkawi is a national asset. Do not let it wither due to the state government’s inability to think globally and progressively,” she said. - May 5, 2026
The post From Langkawi to Rain Rave: Teresa Kok slams PAS for underperforming in tourism, stifling in resort island’s growth appeared first on Scoop.
