Langkawi falling behind despite 3.2mil tourist arrivals, says Kok
DAP's Teresa Kok says a comparison with regional competitors reveals a ‘harsher reality’
DAP’s Teresa Kok said the number of tourist arrivals in Langkawi increased by just 311,101 from 2024 to 2025. (Reuters pic)
PETALING JAYA: Langkawi is falling behind regional competitors despite recording 3.2 million tourist arrivals last year, says DAP’s Teresa Kok, who attributes the shortfall to weak state governance.
The Seputeh MP noted that Phuket recorded about 12.74 million visitors between January and November 2025 while Bali attracted 33.56 million tourists last year.
Kok also highlighted growth differences, noting that Bali’s tourist arrivals increased by 17.16 million from 2024 to 2025, while Phuket saw a rise of 4.35 million.
She said that in contrast, Langkawi’s numbers grew by just 311,101 over the same period.
“Viewed in isolation, Langkawi’s figure appears positive. But a comparison with regional competitors reveals a harsher reality,” she said in a Facebook post.
“Langkawi is currently losing the Asean tourism race due to the Kedah state government’s failure in governance.”
She dismissed claims that the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada), a federal agency, should be held responsible for the island’s tourism performance.
Kok stressed that Langkawi is under Kedah’s jurisdiction and questioned whether the state government was doing enough to promote the island.
She also criticised the PAS-led Kedah government for opposing certain economic activities on moral grounds, warning that such positions could constrain tourism growth.
Kok pointed to large-scale events such as the Rain Rave Water Music Festival in Bukit Bintang – which reportedly drew 180,000 attendees and generated about RM200 million in economic activity – as examples of initiatives that could benefit Langkawi.
The Seputeh MP noted that Phuket recorded about 12.74 million visitors between January and November 2025 while Bali attracted 33.56 million tourists last year.
Kok also highlighted growth differences, noting that Bali’s tourist arrivals increased by 17.16 million from 2024 to 2025, while Phuket saw a rise of 4.35 million.
She said that in contrast, Langkawi’s numbers grew by just 311,101 over the same period.
“Viewed in isolation, Langkawi’s figure appears positive. But a comparison with regional competitors reveals a harsher reality,” she said in a Facebook post.
“Langkawi is currently losing the Asean tourism race due to the Kedah state government’s failure in governance.”
She dismissed claims that the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada), a federal agency, should be held responsible for the island’s tourism performance.
Kok stressed that Langkawi is under Kedah’s jurisdiction and questioned whether the state government was doing enough to promote the island.
She also criticised the PAS-led Kedah government for opposing certain economic activities on moral grounds, warning that such positions could constrain tourism growth.
Kok pointed to large-scale events such as the Rain Rave Water Music Festival in Bukit Bintang – which reportedly drew 180,000 attendees and generated about RM200 million in economic activity – as examples of initiatives that could benefit Langkawi.
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