LANGKAWI: Langkawi's status as a duty-free island will be maintained.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the decision to maintain the island's status as such will serve as attraction for local and foreign tourists to visit Langkawi.
"Langkawi is now among the top 10 tourist destination islands in the world, and we as the government will continue to develop this island so it will become even more famous worldwide.
"InsyaAllah with government and private investments...Langkawi will become more attractive for local and foreign tourists," he said at the Langkawi parliamentary constituency Hari Raya open house held at the LADA Sports Complex in Kuah, here, today.
Also present at the open house event was his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.
Dr Mahathir who is also Langkawi MP said the government will continue to develop Langkawi by giving opportunities to the island locals.
"We will increase jobs and business opportunities, big or small, so the locals can benefit in terms of increasing their income.
"This is our promise to help the people of Langkawi achieve a more comfortable life. All efforts are being done to fulfill our promises," he said. — Reports by M Hifzuddin Ikhsan, Petah Wazzan Iskandar dan Hamzah Osman
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