Transforming Langkawi into a preferred destination for Muslim tourists presents significant challenges, according to former minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, who has raised several concerns about the feasibility of this initiative.
Zaid pointed out that there are already established Muslim-friendly tourism destinations in the region, including Kuala Terengganu in Terengganu, Kota Baru in Kelantan, Medan, Jakarta, and Surabaya in Indonesia, Hatyai in Thailand, Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
"The minister needs to consider what unique attractions Langkawi can offer to Muslim tourists that aren't already available in these more popular destinations," Zaid remarked in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Monday, June 24.
Zaid's comments were in response to a proposal by Deputy Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, who suggested positioning Langkawi as a preferred destination for Muslim tourists, focusing on family-friendly and spiritual tourism.
"Muslims typically do not favor the sea unless there are segregated beaches for men and women. They also tend to avoid music and entertainment as these can be seen as distractions. Additionally, they prefer not to mingle with scantily clad individuals, so limiting the number of foreigners might be necessary," Zaid elaborated.
He also mentioned that Muslims enjoy shopping and suggested that Putrajaya could attract Muslim tourists by removing taxes on halal cosmetics, clothing, cars, textiles, sports goods, cigarettes, and various food items.
"Transforming Langkawi into a shopping paradise like no other could work. However, this government is unlikely to pursue this," Zaid stated. He further noted that the move to ban the sale of tax-free alcohol would likely face opposition from leaders within the administration.
"Constructing large shopping malls would require substantial investment, which this government might not be willing to undertake. The current administration aims to increase tax revenue, so a tax-free strategy is improbable," Zaid added.
According to Zaid, the only viable option left for Putrajaya might be to develop Langkawi in a manner similar to Indonesia's Bali or Thailand's Phuket islands. However, he expressed doubt that the Madani government would accept this approach.
"It seems that Langkawi will gradually decline, as the curse of Mahsuri still holds sway," Zaid concluded, referencing the legend of Mahsuri, who allegedly cursed the island for seven generations after being wrongfully executed for adultery.
In Parliament on Monday, June 24, Khairul emphasized that promoting Langkawi as a preferred Muslim destination with a focus on family-friendly and spiritual tourism could boost the island’s competitiveness among regional destinations in anticipation of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
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