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THE Sultan of Kedah has urged the Federal Government to fully restore Langkawi’s original duty-free status, saying the erosion of key privileges is weakening the island’s competitiveness as a leading tourist destination.
His Royal Highness Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah said that although Langkawi retains its duty-free designation, several incentives previously enjoyed have been scaled back, including the imposition of taxes on vehicles as well as duties on tobacco-based products and selected goods.
According to the Sultan, these changes have diminished the island’s attractiveness to visitors and affected its economic vitality.
“Accordingly, I call upon the Federal Government to restore Langkawi’s status as a duty-free island with the privileges it previously enjoyed,” His Royal Highness said on Monday.
The Sultan made the call during the opening of the Kedah State Legislative Assembly’s first meeting of the fourth term of the 15th assembly at Wisma Darul Aman today.
He also stressed that Langkawi’s rapid development must be matched by adequate and resilient infrastructure to support sustained growth.
The ruler highlighted persistent challenges, including limitations in supporting infrastructure, accessibility to the island and the efficiency of jetty facilities, which he said continue to hamper development efforts.
In addition, he expressed concern over the limited frequency of ferry services to Langkawi, noting that the issue remains a key constraint.
“This step is important to ensure smooth connectivity and to support the growth of the tourism sector in Langkawi,” His Royal Highness added.
He called on the relevant authorities to review and improve ferry transport systems, including reconsidering diesel subsidy rates for ferry operators to enhance service reliability.
The Sultan added that these ongoing issues have affected tourist arrivals, with knock-on effects on the income of local businesses and the livelihoods of residents on the island.
He emphasised that a coordinated and comprehensive approach is necessary to unlock Langkawi’s full potential as a driver of economic growth for both the state and the nation.
Sultan of Kedah Warns Against Construction of Places of Worship Without Approval
Meanwhile, His Royal Highness has said that all forms of development, particularly those involving religious institutions, must strictly adhere to existing laws and regulations.
“In this matter, I view seriously the issue of places of worship of all religions being built without valid approval, whether involving encroachment on government land or private land.
“I firmly prohibit any attempt to politicise religious issues, including efforts by certain parties to take advantage of the situation for narrow interests that could divide society,” the Sultan said at the State Legislative Assembly.
He further stressed that religious institutions must never be misused for personal gain or political agendas, calling on relevant authorities to enforce the law firmly and proactively.
“This matter is directly linked to unity, which forms the foundation of stability for the state and the nation. As a state with a multi-religious and multi-ethnic population, harmony must not be taken lightly, but instead nurtured through mutual respect and an understanding of each other’s sensitivities,” the Ruler added.
The Sultan warned that bypassing proper procedures and approvals is unacceptable, particularly when it risks undermining unity in a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society. - April 13, 2026