Mukhriz: Langkawi district local plan needs replacement

LANGKAWI: The Langkawi Tourism Action Council (MPLBP) needs to expedite replacing the Langkawi District Local Plan by year's end, said Menteri Besar Kedah Datuk Seri Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir.

He said the state government agreed that the existing Langkawi District Local Plan be replaced by taking into consideration land value, setting up of new development corridor and development plans received.

"Lately the development trend in Langkawi is booming, but a downslide arises when it conflicts with the existing Langkawi District Local Plan," he said when officiating at the 15th MPLBP anniversary here last night.

He said the state government was also studying MPLBP's request to impose tourist service charge for long-term benefits and expected it to be approved soon.

"We are not the first (state) to impose such charges. Melaka and Penang have done it. The time has come for tourists to also contribute to the cost of upkeeping the environment and sanitation," he said.
Mukhriz said the state government understood the financial burden that MPLBP had to bear to ensure the cleanliness and beauty of Langkawi and which could be reduced through consistent efforts.

"Efforts to maintain hygiene, improved urban beautification, add retail space, expedite the approval process for development application and improve revenue should be carried out consistently," he said.

He said the state government also would strive to attract more private investment to Langkawi, espeically to further provide the island with quality accomodation facilities, tourism products and infrastructure. – Bernama