PETALING JAYA: Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Nor has denied claims on social media that Langkawi has turned into a “ghost island” and “zombie town”, stressing that it remains a focal point for holiday-goers.
Speaking to reporters after chairing a state executive council meeting in Alor Setar, Sanusi said the recent Deepavali holidays saw “large cruises bringing 10,000 … 20,000 people” to the island.
He also said such negative portrayals of Langkawi seemed to be deliberate attempts by certain parties to paint the holiday destination in a poor light.
“I want to deny that Langkawi is quiet,” he said.
“Of course, all tourist destinations have peak seasons. There are times when there are tourists and times when there are fewer.
“(There are parties) deliberately creating stories to worsen the situation, and I hope they realise that they are harming people’s livelihoods by painting a negative picture (of Langkawi).”
Sanusi also said he had never received any complaints about the high cost of food on the island, as claimed on social media.
“Those who talk about expensive prices, I feel they haven’t been to Langkawi… The people of Langkawi don’t complain about that (food prices) as they are at normal levels.”
He also said the state planned to stimulate the local tourism sector by organising Visit Kedah Year 2025, with the state government set to actively promote the tourism campaign next year.
