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LANGKAWI has realised only about half of its potential as a premier holiday destination despite enjoying duty-free island status for around four decades, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.
Mahathir, who helped spearhead the development of the island in the 1980s, said Langkawi risked falling behind competing tourism destinations in the region if development was allowed to stagnate.
“If you ask me, Langkawi has only achieved half of its potential as a preferred holiday site. And we risk falling behind against the weight of competing regional destinations,” he said.
The 101-year-old former prime minister, who is undergoing rehabilitation following a fall last year and now uses a wheelchair, made a rare return to the island for a civil society-organised picnic programme.
Speaking during a podcast session held in conjunction with the Mahathir 101: Legasi Picnic at Taman Legenda last night, he said Langkawi’s development needed clear direction and consistent policies, with the Government playing a more active role in attracting investment.
“The government cannot leave it stagnant. It must provide direction and formulate policies to attract more investors to Langkawi. When there is heavy investment, more tourists will visit. When more tourists come, more major events can be held,” he said.
Mahathir said greater investment and tourist arrivals would generate more business opportunities, particularly in the food and services sectors.
He stressed that Langkawi could not afford to remain at its current level of development amid growing competition from other regional tourism destinations.
“Langkawi has immediate competitors, especially from neighbouring countries. If we become complacent, Langkawi will be left behind,” he said.
Mahathir also urged younger Malaysians to take responsibility for Langkawi’s future by acquiring knowledge, working hard and contributing to the strengthening of the island’s tourism sector.
“I am already 101 years old and do not have much time left. So, I leave this to the young people,” he said.
The Alor Setar-born former premier served as the Langkawi MP from 2018 to 2022 before losing the seat at the 15th General Election to former UMNO leader Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah, who contested under Bersatu. - August 16, 2026
