Najib descends on Langkawi with promises of cash aid, development

The BN chairman announces a slate of development plans and government aid in the island, where Dr Mahathir Mohamad is standing as candidate.

LANGKAWI: Najib Razak today took his general election campaign to Langkawi, where his number one rival Dr Mahathir Mohamad is standing as a candidate.

In an event attended by businessmen, the prime minister announced 18 initiatives to boost the island’s tourism industry.

“We have plans to bring Langkawi up as a renowned tourist and established destination on the world tourism map,” he told a dinner gathering at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC).

Among others, Najib announced an Urban Transformation Centre in Langkawi, with a one-stop centre to expedite the approvals of licences and permits.

He also announced RM100 million to fund the SME Bank, with loans between RM25,000 and RM250,000 for Langkawi traders operating chalets, motels and grocery outlets, at an interest rate of 5%, with 2% subsidised by the government.

“We will also give out a special grant of RM5,000 to 1,000 traders, which will be disbursed by the registered business associations starting June 1.”

Najib said the government’s Bumiputera economic empowerment unit under the Prime Minister’s Department, Teraju, will also provide funds in the form of grants of up to RM10,000 to 200 entrepreneurs.

He added that the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority and the Kedah Entrepreneurs Development Unit will implement the initiatives.

Some RM12 million is also allocated to upgrade the Langkawi Tourism Academy (LTA).

Najib also announced a business hub in Pantai Cenang, based on the model of the Chatuchak Market in Bangkok, as well as the construction of a Langkawi Premium Outlet, with a RM200 million investment from the private sector.

Also on the cards, said Najib, is the construction of a motorcross circuit in Langkawi.

“The motorsports industry is expected to boost Langkawi at the international level as well as the sports arena,” he said.

Najib said the expansion of the Langkawi airport will be completed in September, to enable it to handle double the number of passengers from 1.5 million to 3 million annually.

“The government is also drawing up a strategy to attract foreign airlines to have direct flights to Langkawi,” he said.

Other initiatives are:

• WiFi availability in ferries to and from Langkawi.
• a new Tourism TV to promote Langkawi
• illegal traders operating at least three years to be legalised
• one-year licence fee exemption for tour operators such as tour agencies, tour guides and tour boats
• RM9.1 million to clean up waste at the Unesco Geopark and the Kilim Geoforest Park. -FMT