Gov’t Strengthens Langkawi’s Connectvity To Empower Economy, SMEs

LANGKAWI, June 28 (Bernama) -- The government is stepping up efforts to enhance Langkawi’s domestic and international connectivity to empower the resort island’s economy and strengthen the competitiveness of its small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the effort is crucial to make Langkawi not only a tourism destination, but also develop as a broader economic centre, including for SMEs.

He said discussions will be held with airline companies to increase the frequency of flghts to Langkawi, while ferry services will also be enhanced, particularly through the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA).

“Today I held an engagement session with Langkawi’s small and medium entrepreneurs and we hope that in addition to the tourism sector, we can expand Langkawi’s economy through products made by entrepreneurs here.

“During the session, I listened to the issues they raised regarding challenges in expanding their businesses, particularly tax procedures and other obstacles,” he told reporters here today.

Earlier, he attended a ceremony to handover RM700,000 worth of medical equipment from the Finance Ministry to the Sultanah Maliha Hospital here.

Amir Hamzah, who is also co-chairman of LADA, said local entrepreneurs also highlighted issues related to tax procedures and import-export processes, which they believe could be improved to enhance business competitiveness on the island.

“Our commitment, together with LADA and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, is to examine how these processes can be simplified so that entrepreneurs are more competitive, not only in Langkawi but also in penetrating overseas markets,” he said.

He added that during the engagement session, he also briefed SME entrepreneurs on various government initiatives, particularly microfinancing schemes, that they could leverage to expand their businesses.

Amir Hamzah said the government also sees new potential, including the development of the digital economy, such as attracting digital nomads to Langkawi, which is also expected to benefit the island's economy.

“So, we hope, with the available support, we can develop the SME sectors in Langkawi, particularly handicrafts, food products and other locally made goods,” he said.

He added that all these efforts are in line with the goal of strengthening air and sea connections to Langkawi, thus making it more accessible and competitive as a regional tourism and economic centre.

-- BERNAMA