Deputy minister defends conservative rules on tourists

PARLIAMENT | Deputy Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan has defended the rights of states that impose conservative rules on tourists.

He said this after he was asked to comment on states that restricted tourists from drinking alcohol or wearing revealing clothes.

In a reply to Seputeh MP Teresa Kok (Pakatan Harapan-Seputeh), he said such states can cater to niche markets.

Citing Langkawi, Khairul said the island could be positioned as a destination for Muslim tourists.

“We know that for Langkawi, there is stiff competition with the islands of neighbouring countries, so it might be quite difficult.

“For that reason, we might position Langkawi as a preferred Muslim destination so that it heads towards the direction of (tourism for) families, more towards spirituality,” he said.

There is no need for every state to play the same role in attracting foreign tourists as it will result in competition between states, he added.

Kok’s question caused an uproar in the Dewan Rakyat, with Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (Perikatan Nasional-Langkawi) rising to join the fray.

“I was summoned when Seputeh mentioned shorts. This is never-ending,” he said.

He raised the issue of dirty beaches and waters around the island, saying filth levels have spiralled “out of control”.

However, Khairul said the issue of cleanliness falls under the purview of state governments, not his ministry.

The deputy minister then conceded that his ministry has a volunteer programme which he will activate in Langkawi to ensure the island’s cleanliness.

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