LANGKAWI (May 5): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had yesterday announced 18 new initiatives to lift Langkawi Island to a higher level of progress in the next five years.

He said the Barisan Nasional (BN) government was committed in implementing all 18 initiatives to raise the living standard of the people of the historic island to a greater level.

"We not only want to develop the tourism industry but also business, public infrastructure, lifestyle, recreation and numerous opportunities for a better future for Langkawi," he added.

Najib said this in his speech at the Langkawi Tourism Industry event which was also attended by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, BN candidate for the Langkawi parliamentary seat, Datuk Nawawi Ahmad, Nor Saidi Nanyan (Kuah state seat) and Datuk Mohd Rawi Abdul Hamid (Air Hangat state seat).

He explained that the first initiative was the setting up of an urban transformation centre (UTC) here, allowing permits or licence approval matters to be accelerated.

The Prime Minister also announced that an allocation of RM100 million was provided by SME Bank in the form of financing of between RM25,000 and RM250,000 for Langkawi traders operating chalets, motels and retail outlets.

"A grant of RM5,000 each will be given to 1,000 small traders which will be distributed by registered trade associations, beginning June 1," he said.

The Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit (TERAJU) will also allocate funds in the form of grants of up to RM10,000 to 200 entrepreneurs to finance small businesses.

According to Najib, RM12 million will be allocated to empower the Langkawi Tourism Academy, while a business hub based on the Chatuchak market model in Bangkok will be developed at Pantai Chenang.

He said a premium outlet would also be built here through a private sector investment of RM200 million as well as a private hospital as a health tourism attraction.

He added that a motocross circuit would be built in Langkawi as well as further boosting the tourist segment of meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE).

The Langkawi International Airport is being expanded and expected to be completed in September, with a capacity to accommodate three million tourists a year.

"The government is also developing a strategy to attract foreign airlines to hold direct flights," said Najib, besides the introduction of high-speed WiFi special packages in public areas here.

According to the Prime Minister, a company from China will work with Tourism Malaysia to produce 40 promotional videos on Langkawi for viewing by about 980 million people in that country and 10 million people in Malaysia.

"Tourism TV will be established to promote the Langkawi sector. A two-hour a day slot is given exclusively to Langkawi,” he said, adding that the state government also agreed to grant a one-year licence exemption to traders who were facing problems with the local authorities.            -- MORE

Najib said the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation, in collaboration with the Malaysian Malay Chamber of Commerce would train 1,000 digital entrepreneurs in Langkawi until year-end.

A total of RM9.1 million will be allocated for waste and sewage treatment efforts at Kilim Geoforest Park and on the nearby islands here.

Najib drew attention that these initiatives would also provide opportunities for Langkawi residents.

"To me, politics should not revolve around the lowest moral values but the people's agenda to bring about transformation,” he said.

Last year, the Langkawi tourism industry managed to generate a revenue of RM6.5 billion and attracted 3.67 million tourists.

At the event, Najib was presented the Father of Tourism Transformation award by industry players here, for his efforts and initiatives to bring in more tourists to Langkawi since his appointment as prime minister about 10 years ago.