The Islamic religious authorities should not be biased in deciding which statues are considered haram and should not confine themselves to Langkawi's iconic eagle statue, Kuah assemblyperson Nor Saidi Nanyan said today.

He said any decision or action taken on the statue should be applied to all other similar structures in other parts of the country.

"The decision should not apply only to Langkawi. The authorities should also look at structures and statues in other places," he said when launching the Merdeka Convoy programme organised by the Langkawi Taxi Owners and Drivers Association.

He was commenting on a recent media report which quoted Perak deputy mufti Zamri Hashim as saying that the eagle statue was haram as it replicated a living creature.

According to the report, Zamri made the statement after receiving an official letter from a local authority which he did not name, asking about the religious ruling on the eagle statue.

Nor Saidi said the eagle statue issue was one of the current challenges that could damage Langkawi's image as a major tourist destination in the country.

However, he said, despite these challenges, all the relevant parties in Langkawi should continue giving the best service to tourists.

Nor Saidi also announced the opening of the taxi counter at Adya Hotel Langkawi which would allow taxi operators to deal with clients, and urged operators of other tourist attractions on the island to do the same.

"The Langkawi Taxi Owners and Drivers Association could also set up an action committee to find ways to improve the quality and image of the service provided," he said.

A total of 200 taxis took part in a 30km convoy trip from a hotel in Pantai Tengah to the parking area of the Langkawi Development Authority.

- Bernama