Sunday, March 8, 2009

Request for daily Singapore-Langkawi flight

LANGKAWI: The Chinese associations here have called on the Transport Ministry to allow AirAsia to fly direct between Singapore and Langkawi to boost tourist arrivals.

Langkawi MCA division chief Datuk Chen Liau Weng said the associations felt that such a direct route was crucial to help Langkawi weather the current economic storm.

“The state government has done nothing to boost tourist arrivals to this resort island that is heavily dependent on tourism revenue.

“That is why we are now turning to the Transport Ministry for help, as the situation is quite gloomy with businesses dropping by at least 30% so far this year,” he said.

The 15 Chinese associations have submitted a letter to Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, requesting the ministry to look into the possibility of allowing AirAsia to make direct flight between Langkawi and Singapore.

The letter was handed over to the minister’s aide after a dialogue with the Chinese community leaders here late on Saturday.

“Such direct flights will help boost tourist arrival. Right now, only Silk Air provides direct flight between Singapore and Langkawi but it is only once a week. We are requesting for daily direct flights,” he said.

Asked why the associations did not request for MAS to service the proposed route, Chen said AirAsia offered more attractive packages.

“We hope our request will be fulfilled soon as the situation is getting gloomier by day,” he said.

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