Langkawi Sees 39% Drop In Tourists Over Malaysia Day Holidays As M’sians Flock To Thailand

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Tourist arrivals in Langkawi dropped by 30% to 39% during the Malaysia Day holidays compared to the same period last year

Speaking to Harian Metro, Langkawi Tourism Association (LTA) CEO Zainudin Kadir said the figures were based on official data, noting that more domestic tourists are opting to travel abroad, particularly to southern Thailand.

"As an industry player, these statistics clearly show a significant decline compared to 2024. We are speaking based on actual data, not just estimates.

"Many choose destinations like Hatyai because their tourism offerings are more attractive and the holiday costs are more affordable.

"Ongoing issues with [poor] facilities such as the ferry service are also a major factor, as tourists have grown frustrated with having to wait for tickets or reschedule their holiday plans," he told the Malay daily yesterday, 16 September.

Zainudin said long ferry wait times and airfares exceeding RM1,000 are deterring tourists, even though Langkawi still has attractions that could be improved and modernised.

Meanwhile, economic analyst Professor Emeritus Dr Barjoyai Bardai said an estimated 100,000 Malaysians headed to Thailand over the long weekend

With an average spending of RM600 per person, Barjoyai said the tourism outflow was expected to exceed RM130 million.

"This expenditure is not small, as the money could have helped stimulate the domestic economy, particularly the local tourism sector.

"Instead, it brings huge profits to the foreign tourism industry, while businesses at home miss out on the spillover benefits of the public holiday," he told Harian Metro on Monday, 15 September.

Barjoyai added that unless immediate steps are taken to improve the cost and experience of domestic tourism, the outflow of tourists during public holidays will persist.