KANGAR: A group of non-governmental organisations in Perlis is urging the state government to work together with the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) to promote the state’s tourism industry.
Perlis Entrepreneur and Tourism Club chairman Dr Ammar Hassan said, as one of the main entry points for local and foreign tourism to the island, the state government must take the opportunity to promote local destinations to them.
“In 2010, about six million tourists entered Malaysia through Perlis from either Wang Kelian, Padang Besar or Kuala Perlis.
“However, a large number of the tourists did not stop to explore the state’s tourist destinations,” he said.
He believes the collaboration between the state government and LADA can help further boost the state’s tourism industry through allocations that could be channeled from the authority.
Ammar was met after attending a Perlis Development Discussion programme involving several non-governmental organisations here today.
On the proposed Padang Besar Hospital that would be built next year, Ammar hoped local contractors would be given a chance to be part of the construction team.
“We are grateful that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has approved the project which will benefits the locals. We hope local contractors will also be given a chance to work in the project for at least 10 per cent of the total construction,” he said.