Sultan of Kedah Calls for Full Restoration of Langkawi's Duty-Free Privileges
A
Admin Utama
14 Apr 2026
ALOR SETAR – The Sultan of Kedah, Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin, has called on the Federal Government to restore Langkawi's status as a duty-free island with the full privileges it previously enjoyed.
The royal address was delivered at the Opening Ceremony of the Kedah State Legislative Assembly at Wisma Darul Aman on 13 April 2026. While Langkawi's duty-free status remains, several privileges have been reduced, including vehicle tax rates and taxes on tobacco products.
His Royal Highness also expressed concern over the limited frequency of ferry services to the island, urging the authorities to review and improve the ferry transport system to Langkawi.
According to the royal address, the decline in tourist arrivals directly affects the income of operators, traders and residents of Langkawi, and integrated measures are needed to keep the legendary island competitive as an international tourism destination.
Source: Kedah State Government Official Portal (April 2026)
Image: Eagle Square (Dataran Lang), Langkawi — Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
The royal address was delivered at the Opening Ceremony of the Kedah State Legislative Assembly at Wisma Darul Aman on 13 April 2026. While Langkawi's duty-free status remains, several privileges have been reduced, including vehicle tax rates and taxes on tobacco products.
His Royal Highness also expressed concern over the limited frequency of ferry services to the island, urging the authorities to review and improve the ferry transport system to Langkawi.
According to the royal address, the decline in tourist arrivals directly affects the income of operators, traders and residents of Langkawi, and integrated measures are needed to keep the legendary island competitive as an international tourism destination.
Source: Kedah State Government Official Portal (April 2026)
Image: Eagle Square (Dataran Lang), Langkawi — Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
