Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has urged everyone to refrain from politicizing the decline in tourism in Langkawi and instead work together with the government. The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister expressed his views in a Facebook post on Wednesday, in response to Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s criticisms towards him for the industry’s failures in Langkawi.
The Minister pointed out the numerous complaints from tourists regarding the high and illogical prices of food and accommodation, as well as the unease and discomfort they feel due to the spread of extremist religious ideologies.
He emphasized the need to pay attention to these claims and take necessary actions to prevent a small extremist group from causing chaos and destroying the tourism industry. Additionally, the Minister called on politicians to cease using religion for their own political interests, as it could lead to misunderstandings, disunity, and ethnic conflicts, especially within the tourism sector.
The Minister also expressed his disagreement with PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang’s statement regarding controlling the types of clothes worn by Muslims and non-Muslims in states governed by PAS, as well as the Terengganu state government’s plan to strictly enforce clothing regulations in accordance with Islamic rules, which he believes could infringe on the privacy and freedoms of international tourists visiting Malaysia.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that international tourists feel their privacy and freedoms are protected when visiting Malaysia, especially in Langkawi, in order to increase their confidence and encourage them to return.
