Langkawi welcomes all tourists, not just Muslims, says Kedah MB

Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Nor said the idea of making Langkawi a preferred Muslim destination was never discussed at the state government level.

PETALING JAYA: The Kedah state government has no plans to promote Langkawi as a tourist island preferred by Muslims, says menteri besar Sanusi Nor.

Sanusi said Langkawi did not need such an approach due to its unique attractions that were capable of drawing tourists from various backgrounds, Berita Harian reported.

“Langkawi is part of Kedah, and we call it the Jewel of Kedah. We have never said we want to make Langkawi a preferred Muslim tourism island. Any tourist is welcome to visit,” he was quoted as saying.

“This matter (Langkawi as a preferred Muslim destination) was never discussed at the state government level. Langkawi is one of the top 10 islands in the world. That’s a fact.”

Sanusi was responding to a proposal by deputy minister of tourism, arts and culture Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan to make Langkawi a preferred Muslim destination to woo tourists.

Khairul had told the Dewan Rakyat on Monday that the move was to make Langkawi a more family-oriented destination and to enhance the focus on the spiritual aspect.

His response came after DAP’s Seputeh MP Teresa Kok had asked if tourist-unfriendly policies like banning alcohol and shorts by some state governments could impact the success of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

The menteri besar also said the issue of promoting Langkawi as a preferred Muslim destination should be stopped as it had sparked unnecessary controversy while the state government worked on revitalising the tourism sector.

“This issue originated from DAP, claiming that we don’t allow shorts. Even the tourism, arts and culture minister (Tiong King Sing) said the same thing about not wearing shorts. That’s not true,” he said.

“(Langkawi) contributes billions to the country’s tourism sector. Therefore, we need to safeguard its prestige, not just limit it to Muslims.”