Only the rich getting projects in Langkawi

Former Matta chairman for Kedah says local community and SMEs should be given opportunities to grow in Langkawi.

LANGKAWI: The big projects on the island are only going to corporations and wealthy individuals, thus depriving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of such opportunities, ex-Matta chairman for Kedah, Pishol Isahak said today.

Pishol said the authorities should look into how the local community and enterprises would benefit before approving projects.

He said in those days the authorities talked about creating jobs and the benefits of downstream business activities.

He added that the private sector now preferred jobs that offered better career opportunities and a chance a grow internationally.

“The workers want to move on to become managers and not remain as waiters.

“The planners and local authorities should opt for a balanced distribution of wealth by placing more emphasis on SMEs and entrepreneurs.

“There is also a need for more greenery instead of man-made attractions. Mega projects should not affect the environment,” said Pishol.

He said Langkawi would one day need to stand on its own instead of relying on government programmes and public funding to sustain its tourism sector.

According to Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) statistics, the island resort recorded about 3.4 million domestic and foreign tourists last year.

Pishol said Lada had always played a strategic role in developing the island and was considered one of the best recreational spots of former premier Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed.

“Lada has been the catalyst behind Langkawi’s growth but it is now time for the private sector, of which 80% are SMEs, to play a greater role in promoting tourism.

“After all, they have the expertise in dealing with the grassroots of the industry.

“We want the island to be on par with international island resorts. To achieve this, we need to cooperate with local residents, tourism officials and government servants,” he added.