The Langkawi ferry operators' fare issue is emblematic of the storied island's litany of problems.
Justifying the imminent hike of RM3 to RM10.50 due to soaring minimum wage costs, ferry operators nevertheless deferred the move hours later at the Transport Ministry's urgent behest.
Why is Langkawi in such a pickle?
For one, food and beverage, accommodation and transportation costs spiked 10 to 15 per cent since the pandemic.
Ironically, idyllic Langkawi has been a victim of its own success, overrun by tourist traps and rapacious tourism development, prodding inflation and supply shortages that infuriated locals.
Then there's the island's uncompromising ultra-conservative state and local governments' laying of the law that cowed foreign tourists.
Restrictions to their lifestyles that must conform to local sensibilities and regulations has put off foreign tourists who rebelled, reflected in the 20 per cent drop in arrivals.
They'd rather have their fun and frolic in other Southeast Asian tourist nations.
Nevertheless, Langkawi seemed to have recovered from the pandemic: it's set to hit its three million tourist arrival target this year, a 25 per cent increase that generates RM6 billion in revenue, thanks also to major international events and no visas for Chinese and Indian nationals.
Still, 4.6 million Malaysian tourists are irked by the inflationary prices, shunning Langkawi to head further up north.
Langkawi is also mired in environmental issues: sewage discharge and management, aggravated by troubling quality of tap water.
Acutely aware that Langkawi is struggling, the government poured RM63.4 million to develop and improve heritage spots.
Another worrisome issue is dual pricing: some hotels and restaurants impose a higher cost for foreign tourists and a lower one for locals, leading to accusations of discrimination.
Thailand slapped a similar dual pricing strategy, only to face drops in foreign visitors that forced a capitulation of the policy. Langkawi may well be advised to heed Thailand's error.
All is not lost: Langkawi can hatch a turnaround by shoring up sustainable practices and local culture, showcasing the island as a sublime eco-friendly destination blessed with natural beauty that Unesco granted it a Geopark status.
Langkawi must beef up public transportation, including dodgy ferry services, and facilities at tourist attractions.
To circumvent the beach lifestyle and merriment that foreigners hanker, the adventure tourism of jungle trekking, kayaking and diving, on top of traditional arts and cuisine, can be enhanced.
At international tourism expos, marketers should "hard sell" Langkawi as a desirable destination, more so as a children-friendly stay while luxuriating wealthy travellers.
Admittedly, dealing with the ultra-conservatives is complicated, but reviving Langkawi's eminence calls for creative initiatives to smoothen delicate cultural mores, improve accessibility and strengthen marketing, advertising and overall promotions.
At the rate Langkawi is stymied, the island may spiral into oblivion if the dilemmas go unchecked.
If it is not careful, Langkawi may succumb to some foreign tourists' disturbing perception that the island paradise has transformed into a "ghost town".