Restore Labuan’s full duty-free status, Putrajaya told

 

Labuan’s economy depends on its duty-free status, its Chinese Chamber of Commerce president Wong Kii Yii said. (Bernama pic)

LABUAN: The Labuan Chinese Chamber of Commerce has urged the federal government to reinstate the island’s full duty-free status to make it more attractive to visitors.

Its president, Wong Kii Yii, said that despite previous efforts, including letters to the authorities, Putrajaya has turned a deaf ear.

“Labuan’s current duty-free status has not resulted in lower prices for goods, making it less attractive to tourists,” he said at a Chinese New Year dinner with community leaders here tonight.

Wong specifically highlighted the need for duty-free cigarette sales, emphasising its potential to enhance the island’s allure.

“The chamber calls upon Labuan MP Suhaili Abd Rahman and Labuan Umno chief Rafi Ali Hassan to champion this cause to bring the issue to the attention of the federal government,” he said.

Wong underscored Labuan’s economic dependency on its duty-free status and believed restoring the full duty-free status is crucial for attracting visitors.

He also emphasised the need to increase flights to Labuan to stimulate the tourism sector.

With limited flights by Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia, he questioned Labuan’s ability to attract visitors, particularly from China.

“The chamber hopes for swift government intervention to address these concerns and bolster Labuan’s economic prospects,” he said. - FMT